Kent Pastrana and University of Santo Tomas bounced back, overcoming De La Salle University, 76-68, to return to the winning column of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Pastrana, the reigning UAAP Athlete of the Year, led the charge with 21 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, and three blocks, as UST shook off a narrow three-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Growling Tigresses opened the final period with an 11-0 run, pulling away for good. They also strengthened their hold of solo second in the standings with a 4-1 record.
A triple and layup by Karylle Sierba saw UST take a game-high 15-point cushion, 74-59.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Nag-adjust kasi ako come the fourth quarter because sabi ko, it cannot be na dikit yung laban namin, so I needed to adjust. Naglagay ako ng four guards tapos doon kami lumamang and pushed La Salle to many turnovers,” said Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong.
Both teams struggled to take care of the ball with UST committing 27 turnovers, but its defense forced La Salle to 38 turnovers while also stealing the ball 21 times.
UST high product Sierba contributed significantly with 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Meanwhile, Brigette Santos chipped in 12 points, five rebounds, and three steals on a team-high plus-24 in 21 minutes of action.
The Growling Tigresses will next face last season’s Final Four foe University of the Philippines on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the same Cubao venue.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Tricia Mendoza’s near 20-20 statline of 21 points and 18 rebounds went for naught as the Lady Archers’ struggles continued after dropping to a 1-5 card, good for last place in the eight-team collegiate league.
Coming from a historic 34-point outing, San Juan was limited to 16 points on 4-of-14 shooting, including 2-of-10 from beyond the arc. Fourth-year forward Lee Sario also struggled with 13 points on a 25-percent shooting clip to go along with eight turnovers.
La Salle aims to bounce back when it clashes against the Fighting Maroons next Sunday, Oct. 6, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
UST (76) – Pastrana 21, Sierba 16, Santos 12, Maglupay 8, Soriano 6, Bron 5, Ambos 4, Relliquette 2, Tacatac 2, Dionisio 0, Serrano 0, N. Danganan 0, Pescador 0, Pineda 0.
DLSU (68) – Mendoza 21, San Juan 16, Sario 13, Santos 4, Delos Santos 4, Camba 4, Paraiso 2, Bacierto 2, Sunga 2, Dalisay 0, Rodriguez 0.
Quarterscores: 20-27, 36-37, 56-53, 76-68
