The National University Lady Bulldogs continued their immaculate run, with 81 straight wins after an 80-60 conquest over Far Eastern University, Wednesday in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jack Animam tallied 17 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists to lead the five-time champions in the triumph.
Congolese center Rhena Itesi also did damage with 16 points, six boards, and three assists, as rookies Angel Surada, who had 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, and Camille Clarin, who tallied 10 points, three boards, and three dimes, also impressed in their debuts.
The win, however, left a lot to be desired for coach Pat Aquino, as the Lady Bulldogs’ lackadaisical defense saw them trail, 43-48 in the third frame.
“It was a hard win. Rusty, probably; overconfident. But the thing is we have to play double-time against FEU,” he said.
“Our players are still hesitant. We’re coming up with a new system and they’re still hesitant with that, but I just told them to play as hard as you can and everything will follow. That’s what happened,” he continued.
NU shook off those struggles and outscored FEU, 28-10, in the fourth frame to take the 20-point win.
Fil-Am forward Kelli Hayes – who previously played for the UCLA Bruins – contributed four points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists in her NU debut.
Clare Castro led FEU with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks, while Valerie Mamaril poured 16 points and two boards in the loss.
NU look to continue their run on Saturday, September 7, when they take on the Adamson University Lady Falcons. On the other hand, FEU next face the University of the East Lady Warriors on Sunday, September 8, at 8:00 am.
The Scores:
NU 80 — Animam 17, Itesi 16, Surada 10, Clarin 10, Bartolo 8, Pingol 6, Del Carmen 5, Hayes 4, Canuto 4, Harada 0, Fabruada 0, Cacho 0, Cac 0.
FEU 60 — Castro 24, Mamaril 16, Delos Santos 10, Quiapo 4, Jumuad 4, Bahuyan 2, Vidal 0, Padayon 0, Adriano 0, Bastatas 0, Antiola 0.
Quarterscores: 16-17, 22-25, 52-50, 80-60.
