Defending UAAP women’s basketball champion National University broke no sweat at all after dispatching hapless Ateneo de Manila University, 70-36 Sunday in Season 78 elimination round action at the Blue Eagle Gym.
In the most lopsided game of the year yet, a mighty 36-5 blast in the first two quarters gave the Lady Bulldogs their biggest lead of the first half, before the Lady Eagles finally showed semblance of hope on offense as they uncorked a 7-0 run behind triples from Hazelle Yam and Jolina Go.
The Sampaloc side settled for a 43-14 halftime lead but opened the second with fire as they extended their advantage to as high as 36 late in the fourth quarter.
NU attacked the interior early, taking advantage of Ateneo’s lack of defenders to cut them off on penetrations and attacks to he basket.
The Lady Bulldogs posted a commanding 34-20 advantage in points in the paint in the end, and also shot 41.3 percent from the floor. The defending titlists also won the rebounding battle, 49-33.
All 16 players saw action for NU in a balanced effort where no one was fielded for more than 19 minutes. All save for two Lady Bulldogs scored in the contest.
Afril Bernardino led all scorers with 17 points while Danica Jose and Jolina Go scored 12 points apiece for Ateneo.
Scores:
NU (70) – Bernardino 17, Gupilan 14, Itesi 10, Miranda 7, Riel 5, Antiquera 3, Animam 2, Abriam 2, Tongco 2, Paig 2, Reyes 2, Layug 2, Sison 1, Harada 1, Nabalan 0, Del Carmen 0.
Ateneo (36) – Jose 12, Go 12, Tomita 4, Yam 4, Buendia 4, Aseron 0, Javier 0, Nitorreda 0, Payac 0, Newsome 0, Posadas 0, Guytingco 0, Moslares 0.
Quarters: 25-5, 43-14, 59-27, 70-36.
