Coming off a tough loss to National University, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses were expected to unleash their frustrations on the struggling University of the East on Saturday.
However, the Tigresses appeared sluggish, allowing the Lady Warriors to capitalize and claim the first frame, 15-13, with UE trailing by just 11 points at halftime.
Despite UE’s 1-10 record and seven-game losing streak heading into the match, they kept UST from fully taking control, staying within reach until the end of the third frame, 40-50.
The Tigresses eventually found their rhythm in the fourth quarter, delivering a strong finish to secure the 84-62 victory. However, it wasn’t a win that left the team fully satisfied.
Acknowledging their slow start, UST starters Kent Pastrana and Karylle Sierba held themselves accountable.
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“As part ng first group, kailangan palagi good start talaga. Kailangan simulan talaga sa depensa kasi yun nga para hindi mabigyan ng kumpyansa yung kalaban,” said Pastrana, who led UST with 18 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and four steals.
“Yung performance namin nung first quarter, first half parang nakulangan kami kasi yun nga bad start kami,” she added.
Sierba played a key role in UST’s fourth-quarter surge, scoring 13 of her 16 points in that period and finishing with a game-high plus-29 in her 21 minutes on the floor.
For the promising rookie out of UST High School, removing those bad habits is essential with only two games remaining before the Final Four.
“Bad start nga po talaga kami so kailangan pa namin mas aralin para sa Final Four maganda yung performance namin,” Sierba remarked.
The Growling Tigresses currently hold second place with a 10-2 record, looking to tighten their game as the postseason nears.
