UAAP: Sierba’s career performance powers UST’s rout of Ateneo

UST’s Karylle Sierba puts up a shot against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament, October 17, 2026 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila. UAAP MediaMANILA — Karylle Sierba delivered a career-best performance to power University of Santo Tomas past the Ateneo de Manila University, 90-67, and stay unbeaten in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament on Saturday.

Playing on their homecourt at the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila, the Growling Tigresses cruised to their fifth straight win in the tournament, keeping their hold on the top spot in the league standings.

Sierba led the way for the defending champions, firing a career-high 35 points on top of four rebounds, and six steals without committing a turnover in 22 minutes and 46 seconds of action.

Her scoring outburst also established a new single-game scoring record in the Season 89 women’s tournament, surpassing Kacey Dela Rosa’s 31-point performance against National University last October 3.

“It was a total team effort plus the heroics of Sierba. Hindi ko nga alam na 35 points na pala siya,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong of Sierba’s career game. “She just kept grinding every time na pinapasok ko siya, so kudos to Karylle.”

“‘Yung opensa naman, hindi ko naman masyadong iniisip ‘yun and darating talaga [ito] kapag para sayo,” said Sierba of her performance. “I’m happy lang kasi ‘di ko talaga in-expect ‘to and naglalaro lang ako at walang iniisip kundi makatulong sa team. So, super happy lang.”

The loss dropped Ateneo to 2-3 in the tournament.

UST’s Karylle Sierba celebrates against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament, October 17, 2026 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila. UAAP MediaAfter a tightly contested opening quarter, Sierba caught fire in the second, pouring in 20 points in the first half to help UST build a 10-point cushion, 44-34.

The Blue Eagles continued to fight back, however, as Kailah Oani buried a triple before halftime to trim Ateneo’s deficit to seven, 45-38.

Ateneo kept the pressure on in the third quarter, with Dela Rosa hitting a layup to cut the deficit to six midway through the period, 59-53. Barby Dajao’s free throw, however, helped UST maintain its cushion at 66-58 heading into the final quarter.

With UST holding a 66-61 lead, the Tigresses pulled away in the fourth with a decisive 20-3 run. Sierba highlighted the surge with a layup that broke Dela Rosa’s season-high scoring mark and stretched UST’s lead to 16, 80-64.

The Growling Tigresses sustained their assault down the stretch, with Gin Relliquette capping the run with a layup to put the game out of reach with four minutes remaining and preserve UST’s unbeaten record.

Erinn McAlary was the Tigresses’ second-leading scorer, matching her career-high with 14 points to go with five rebounds and two blocks while also finishing without a turnover. Nigerian center Oma Onianwa added a near double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.

Dela Rosa still recorded a double-double for Ateneo despite finishing with a season-low 20 points, adding 13 rebounds and two blocks. Alyssa Rodriguez chipped in 14 points and six rebounds.

Both teams will return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. UST will look to keep its perfect run intact against De La Salle University at 11 a.m., while Ateneo takes on Adamson University at 5 p.m.

UST 90 – Sierba 35, McAlary 14, Onianwa 12, Santos 7, C. Danganan 6, Relliquette 4, Ambos 4, Bron 2, Boteros 2, Dajao 2, Maglupay 2, Pescador 0, Tate 0, K. Danganan 0.

Ateneo 67 – Dela Rosa 20, Rodriguez 14, Calago 10, Oani 8, Potter 4, H. Lopez 3, Cruza 3, Cancio 3, De Luna 2, L. Lopez 0, Udal 0, Hagedorn 0.

Quarterscores: 21-18, 45-38, 66-58, 90-67.