Afril Bernardino scored 16 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to steer the National University to its 11th straight win, 70-43, against the Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 78 women’s basketball tournament, Wednesday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The reigning tournament MVP also recorded 3 assists and 5 steals to pace another balanced effort for the undefeated Lady Bulldogs.
NU began pulling away in the second quarter after back to back hits by Kristine Abriam jumpstarted an 11-0 Lady Bulldogs run, making it a 29-12 advantage.
Danica Jose ended the drought momentarily, but NU went on to outscore Ateneo 42-19 over the next two quarters.
The Lady Bulldogs’ signature defense prevented the Lady Eagles from scoring in the first five minutes of the fourth period, before Jose once again broke the dry spell with a field goal.
NU led by as much as 33 points before a 6-0 Ateneo run closed the match to make it less one-sided.
Gemma Miranda added 11 points and 6 rebounds, while four others scored 6 points or more for the Lady Bulldogs.
NU out-rebounded Ateneo, 53-47, made 24 points out of Ateneo’s 33 turnovers, and had a commanding 33-14 lead in bench points.
Jose was the lone bright spot for the Lady Eagles, accounting for 16 points and 12 rebounds on 55 percent shooting.
The Lady Eagles fell to fifth spot at 4-7 but are still in the running for a Final Four spot.
Scores:
NU (70) – Bernardino 16, Miranda 11, Abriam 8, Gupilan 6, Tongco 6, Animam 6, Nabalan 5, Paig 3, Harada 3, Sison 2, Itesi 2, Layug 2, Antiquera 0, Riel 0, Reyes 0, Del Carmen 0.
Ateneo (43) – Jose 16, Go 8, Yam 6, Guytingco 5, Deacon 4, Nitorreda 2, Aseron 2, Buendia 0, Posadas 0, Tomita 0, Javier 0, Lamar 0, Newsome 0, Veloso 0.
Quarterscores: 18-12, 42-22, 60-31, 70-43.
