UST stars shining bright

University of Santo Tomas (UST) is finding its stride in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 collegiate basketball tournaments, with the Growling Tigers moving up to fourth place in the men’s division while defending champions Growling Tigresses continue to reign supreme in the women’s side.

UST swept its matchups against Far Eastern University and Ateneo de Manila University in both divisions, with Mark Llemit and Karylle Sierba leading the charge for their respective squads.

Both España standouts have been named the Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Players of the Week for the period of 14 to 18 October.

Llemit showcased his versatility in UST’s 81-69 victory over Far Eastern University (FEU), tallying a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds, along with six assists, a steal, and a block. He followed it up with 15 points, six rebounds, two steals, and a block in the Growling Tigers’ 80-68 triumph over Ateneo on their home floor at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

His consistent production earned him the weekly honor over fellow Growling Tiger Collins Akowe, University of the Philippines’ (UP) Veejay Pre, National University’s (NU) Macmac Alfanta and PJ Palacielo, and Adamson University’s Matty Erolon.

“I guess we already know what we need to do, and we also need to work harder, especially in training. Because when the second round comes, that’s a different story altogether. That’s a whole different game, so we just have to stay prepared,” Llemit said after the first round, as the Growling Tigers finished with a 4-3 record.

Over in the women’s division, Sierba delivered an equally impressive stretch as the defending champions extended their unbeaten run to five games to remain atop the standings.

She recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal in UST’s dominant 88-42 rout of FEU before erupting for a career-high 35 points, four rebounds, six steals, and a block in a 90-67 victory over Ateneo de Manila University to defend their home court.

The third-year player tied the UAAP women’s basketball record for most points scored in a game, matching a mark set previously by former UST star Kent Pastrana.

Her scoring outburst against the Blue Eagles highlighted a stellar two-game stretch, earning her the weekly nod over teammate Oma Onianwa, UP’s Kennan Ka, NU’s Tin Cayabyab, and Adamson Elaine Etang.

“I just stayed focused on the game because the season is still long. I also didn’t expect to score this much, but whenever Coach (Haydee Ong) subbed me in, I made sure to give 100 percent,” Sierba said after turning in a career game against Ateneo.