MANILA, Philippines – Backed against the wall, the UST Growling Tigresses showed the heart of a champion in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball finals, forcing a deciding Game 3 against the once-unbeaten NU Lady Bulldogs with a late 78-68 pullaway on Wednesday, December 11.
Fighting against a partisan Mall of Asia Arena crowd, Bridgette Santos had the game of her young life with a career-high 27-point explosion on 11-of-21 shooting to go with 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals.
However, it was spitfire guard Karylle Sierba who stole the spotlight for the feisty Tigresses, as she scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone to total 18 in a stunning 12-minute appearance off the bench.
Unfazed from losing yet another double-digit lead, this time a 24-9 advantage early in the second quarter, the defending champion Tigresses composed themselves amid a thrilling back-and-forth shootout in the final frame that still featured a 57-all deadlock with 7:41 left in regulation.
From there the trifecta of Sierba, Santos, and MVP runner-up Kent Pastrana seized control of the endgame, combining for a telling 13-5 run capped by consecutive Santos shots for the 70-62 separation with 3:08 left.
Though Camille Clarin drained a quick three in the next possession to get within 5, 70-65, Sierba made sure it was UST’s game to claim for good, as she responded with a dagger trey for the 73-65 lead with 2:30 to play.
Newly crowned Rookie of the Year Cielo Pagdulagan paced the Lady Bulldogs’ first loss of the season with 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting, plus 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Clarin added 12 points — 8 coming in the fourth — while Karl Pingol and Mythical Five member Angel Surada scored 11 and 10, respectively.
Both sides lock in to one last battle on Sunday, December 15, at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores
UST 78 – Santos 27, Sierba 18, Pastrana 11, Bron 8, Soriano 6, Danganan 6, Maglupay 2, Tacatac 0, Ambos 0, Serrano 0.
NU 68 – Pagdulagan 16, Clarin 12, Pingol 11, Surada 10, Fabruada 5, Villanueva 5, Betanio 4, Konateh 3, Canuto 2, Cayabyab 0, Talas 0.
Quarters: 20-9, 32-25, 48-49, 78-68.
– Rappler.com