UST cagers Llemit, Sierba named UAAP week’s best
MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas is finding its stride in the 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 October 14-18.
Llemit showcased his versatility in UST’s 81-69 victory over 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, UP’s Veejay Pre, NU’s Macmac Alfanta and PJ Palacielo, and Adamson’s Matty Erolon.
“Siguro, alam na namin ‘yung gagawin namin and kailangan din namin lalo na sa training. Kasi, pagdating ng second round, iba na ‘yun eh. Ibang usapan na ‘yun, magiging prepared lang din kami,” Llemit said after the first round, with the Growling Tigers finishing at 4-3.
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 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’s Elaine Etang.
“Focus lang sa game, layo pa ng season. ‘Di ko rin inexpect na ito ‘yung score ko, pero pag pinapasok ako ni Coach [Haydee Ong], 100-percent talaga ‘yung binibigay ko,” Sierba said after turning in a career game against Ateneo.
The Growling Tigresses will continue their first-round campaign against the DLSU Lady Archers on Wednesday, October 21, at 8 a.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena, before the Growling Tigers open the second round against the UP Fighting Maroons at 5 p.m. on the same day. (CPC pool story)
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