The National University Lady Bulldogs are now just one win away from a place in theUAAP Season 79 Women’s Basketball Tournament Finals after they won 78-42 over the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws.
The Lady Bulldogs were led by Gemma Miranda, who scored 21 points today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Afril Bernardino was just one steal away from producing a quadruple-double as she made 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Jack Animam also had a great game, as she contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds.
NU led by 21-5 in the second quarter courtesy of a free throw from Bernardino, and extended it to 27-14 at the half.
“We had some difficulty in the first half especially in the second quarter, but with them playing together yun yung magagawa nila. Sabi ko sa kanila just keep this up especially at this moment in time na kailangan natin to play stronger going into the Finals or the Final Four,” commented NU mentor Patrick Aquino.
The defending champions’ cushion then ballooned in the third quarter, when a 19-0 run — capped off by Bernardino — provided them a 51-20 advantage over FEU.
Holding a 58-23 lead going into the fourth quarter didn’t stop the Lady Bulldogs from adding to their tally. They achieved their highest lead of the ballgame, 73-34, deep in the final frame. In the end, NU prevailed, 78-42, over FEU.
NU, however, were rueful that Bernardino hadn’t completed a rare quadruple-double. She made nine steals and was on the cusp of getting one more, only for her to be called for her fifth foul in the late stages of the final frame.
“Afril almost had a quadruple-double, but without her teammates hindi niya magagawa yun. The fact na palaging Jack and Gemma, it doesn’t happen without their teammates so sabi you got to play as a team and together so you could achieve more,” explained Aquino.
Defense was the key today for NU, as they made 15 steals and forced FEU into making 38 turnovers. That defense helped the Lady Bulldogs shoot 44 percent from the field versus FEU’s 24 percent.
Up next for NU (13-0) are the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons on November 15, 1:00 PM, at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City. On the other hand, FEU (3-9) will also face UP but on November 9, 10:00 AM, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“Definitely we’ll still focus on the last game. We don’t take away na hindi kami lalaro mabuti. Always go forward. It’s a good game. We’ll be preparing for UP,” promised Aquino.
The Scores:
NU (78) – Miranda 21, Bernardino 17, Animam 15, Nabalan 9, Del Carmen 5, Itesi 4, Camelo 3, Ceno 2, Harada 2.
FEU (42) – Gerner 16, Ventura 8, Mamaril 5, Jumuad 4, Okunlola 4, Balleser 3, Arellado 2, Ouano 0, Capua 0, Payadon 0, Vidal 0, Abat 0.
Quarterscores: 18-5, 27-14, 58-23, 78-42.
