WHILE Karylle Sierba lost out on Rookie of the Year honors, she made sure that no one forgot her name after a wonderful Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The rookie guard stepped up big for University of Santo Tomas, catching fire in the fourth quarter to shoot her side to a 78-68 Game Two win over National University and force a winner-take-all affair in the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball finals.
Sierba, the highly touted homegrown prospect who lost out on the Rookie of the Year award to Cielo Pagdulagan, uncorked all but three of her 18 points in the payoff period, anchoring the Growling Tigresses' 30-point finishing kick to deal the Lady Bulldogs their first defeat of the season.
UST title defense, still on
But what matters more, still, is the crown, with the defending champions pushing this best-of-three series to the limit.
Game Three is on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum scheduled at 1 p.m.
"Kumpyansa lang talaga," said Sierba. "At this point, nabibigatan na [yung teammates ko]. 'Di nakafocus [yung NU defense] sa akin, so naisip ko ito na yung time na ipakita yung laro ko."
Sierba's heroics also salvaged Brigette Santos' 27-point night, as she also collected four assists, two rebounds, and two steals.
They also took cover for Mythical Team member Kent Pastrana who only had 11 points, eight boards, four assists, and three steals.
"Very proud kasi it's all team effort from offense to defense," said coach Haydee Ong, with the Tigresses getting their act in time after squandering a 24-9 lead to start the game.
Pagdulagan, National U's Game One hero, paced her side with 16 points and three rebounds in their first loss in 16 games.
Camille Clarin added 12 points and five boards, while Karl Ann Pingol was a rebound short of a double-double with her 11-9 line.
The Scores:
UST 78 - Santos 27, Sierba 18, Pastrana 11, Bron 8, Soriano 6, Danganan 6, Maglupay 2, Tacatac 0, Ambos 0, Serrano 0.
NU 68 - Pagdulagan 16, Clarin 12, Pingol 11, Surada 10, Fabruada 5, Villanueva 5, Betanio 4, Konateh 3, Canuto 2, Cayabyab 0, Talas 0.
Quarters: 20-9, 32-25, 48-49, 78-68.
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