LAST SEASON, Karylle Sierba was on the sidelines, watching her seniors end the NU Lady Bulldogs’ seven-year reign in UAAP women’s basketball. Now, she has the chance to be part of it.
In Game 2 of UST’s finals rematch with NU, the Growling Tigresses rookie delivered the biggest game of her career so far, finishing with 18 points to force a decider against the Lady Bulldogs.
Despite the stakes — UST hoping to defend the title it claimed last year in stunning fashion — Sierba remained composed, refusing to let the limelight or the pressure-packed fourth quarter affect her performance on the court.
Sierba poured in 15 of her 18 points in the fourth quarter, steering the Growling Tigresses past disaster down the stretch to stain the Lady Bulldogs’ unblemished Season 87 record and force a winner-take-all Game 3, 78-68.
“Kumpiyansa lang talaga kasi ‘yong mga ate ko, sobrang nadidikitan at nadedepensahan sila. Parang naisip ko na hindi sila naka-focus sa akin, so ‘yon na ‘yong time para maipakita ‘yong skills ko kung kaya ko makitapat at sabayan sa kanila,” Sierba said.
Sierba played just under 10 minutes in Game 1, but the rookie didn’t let the limited playing time affect her confidence. She drilled two crucial free throws to seal the Game 2 victory.
The 18-year-old guard shot a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, including three triples. Her performance compensated for the struggles of Kent Pastrana and Tacky Tacatac, who combined for just 5-for-20 shooting.
“Very, very proud (ako). Sabi ko nga kay Karylle, you’ll be playing limited minutes pero every time na bubunutin kita, you just make sure that you represent UST very well at ipakita mo kung bakit ka nandito sa UST, at bakit ka produkto ng UST,” she said.
Sierba is a product of UST high school.
In her first game at the senior level this season, Sierba also made a stellar introduction with 18 points, three assists, and three steals.
According to Sierba, her Game 2 performance was dedicated to outgoing Tigresses guard and Tacatac, who will play her final game with UST in Game 3 of the finals.
“Sinasabi sa’min palagi na ‘yong game namin, para kay Ate Tacky — para maganda ‘yong exit na maibigay niya sa UST,” she said.
The do-or-die game for the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament will be on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
