University of Santo Tomas standouts Mark Llemit and Karylle Sierba were named Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Players of the Week for October 14-18 after delivering key performances that powered the Growling Tigers and Growling Tigresses to victories in the Season 89 basketball tournaments.
The two UST squads swept their matchups against Far Eastern University and Ateneo de Manila University, with the men’s team climbing to fourth place and the defending women’s champions extending their unbeaten streak to five games.
Llemit spearheaded the Growling Tigers’ back-to-back victories, starting with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double in their 81-69 win over FEU. He also contributed six assists, one steal and one block.
The UST standout followed it up with 15 points, six rebounds, two steals and a block as the Tigers defeated Ateneo, 80-68, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
His all-around contributions secured the weekly award ahead of teammates Collins Akowe, UP’s Veejay Pre, NU’s Macmac Alfanta and PJ Palacielo and Adamson’s Matty Erolon.
Llemit said the team’s preparation would be crucial as it enters the second round of the tournament after finishing the opening round with a 4-3 record.
“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.
Sierba, meanwhile, made her mark in the women’s division with two standout performances that helped UST maintain its hold on the top spot.
She scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while adding three assists and a steal, in the Tigresses’ commanding 88-42 rout of FEU.
The third-year player then produced a career-best 35 points, along with four rebounds, six steals and one block, to lead UST to a 90-67 victory over Ateneo.
Her scoring explosion matched the UAAP women’s basketball record for most points in a single game, previously set by former UST star Kent Pastrana.
Sierba edged teammate Oma Onianwa, UP’s Kennan Ka, NU’s Tin Cayabyab and Adamson’s Elaine Etang for the weekly distinction.
Despite her record-tying performance, Sierba said her priority remained giving her best whenever she was called upon.
“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. (Adrian Co)
