Ann Pingol recorded her second consecutive triple-double as defending champion National University overcame a sluggish start to overpower Adamson University, 86-57, solidifying its hold on second place in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
After giving up a 10-point lead to a 15-0 Lady Falcons run, the Lady Bulldogs regrouped behind Tin Cayabyab, Aloha Betanio, Ann Pingol, and Angel Surada. They delivered a commanding 27-11 third-quarter performance that restored their momentum and secured their ninth straight win.
NU’s second-half surge was powered by Pingol’s all-around brilliance: 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, along with two steals and two blocks.
The Lady Bulldogs kept pace with undefeated University of Santo Tomas (10-0), holding a 10-1 win-loss record with three elimination round games remaining.
This marked Pingol’s second straight triple-double, following her 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in NU’s 97-67 demolition of De La Salle University last Sunday.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Adjustment-wise and game plan-wise, wala kaming inadjust. It’s just the effort and focus doon sa linaro namin nung first half. Comparing that effort during the second effort, it was way, way better than the first half,” NU head coach DA Olan said after limiting Adamson to just 21 points on 8-of-21 shooting in the second half.
Determined to rebound from a slow first half, the Lady Bulldogs opened the third quarter with a blistering 18-4 run — highlighted by key Surada baskets — to reclaim a seven-point, 50-43 lead with 4:19 left in the period.
NU maintained control from that point, with a Pingol three-pointer and an inside basket by Cayabyab capping a dominant 27-11 third-quarter showing. That gave the Lady Bulldogs a 59-47 cushion heading into the final period.
A seven-point swing by Marga Villanueva, followed by consecutive triples from Surada and Marylene Solis early in the fourth, effectively sealed the win as NU extended its lead to 20 points at 72-52 with 4:09 remaining.
Surada led four NU players in double figures, finishing with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, 12 rebounds, four steals, and four assists. Villanueva contributed 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting with two steals, while Cayabyab added 13 points, two assists, and one steal before fouling out with 18 seconds left.
The Lady Bulldogs will aim for their 10th consecutive win against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Wednesday, November 12, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Adamson, meanwhile, fell out of the Final Four picture, dropping to solo fifth place with a 4-7 record.
Nigerian center Victoria Adeshina led the Lady Falcons with 17 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Cris Padilla added seven points, two rebounds, and two assists.
Adamson will look to rebound in a crucial matchup against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons next Sunday, November 16, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Scores:
NU (86) – Surada 18, Pingol 17, Villanueva 16, Cayabyab 13, Betanio 6, Solis 6, Medina 5, Alterado 3, Canindo 2, Pring 0, Garcia 0.
AdU (57) – Adeshina 17, Padilla 7, Agojo 6, Etang 5, A. Alaba 5, Ornoppia 4, E. Alaba 3, Bajo 3, Apag 3, Meniano 2, Muñoz 2, Limbago 0, Carcallas 0, Manlimos 0, Cortez 0, Mazo 0.
Quarterscores: 20-19, 32-36, 59-47, 86-57.
