National University fell just short of a podium finish in the 2026 BLIA Cup after a heartbreaking endgame that saw several crucial calls go against the Lady Bulldogs.
NU absorbed a 71-69 defeat to Fo Guang University in the battle for third on Sunday at the Kaohsiung Arena in Taiwan.
The Lady Bulldogs appeared headed for victory after building a 65-59 lead with five minutes remaining. Tin Cayabyab then knocked down a turnaround jumper with 2:04 left to give NU a 69-64 advantage.
However, the momentum quickly shifted.
Then, with 25.2 seconds left, Ann Pingol was whistled for a foul while defending Lien Wenling on a three-point attempt. Replays appeared to show little to no contact from Pingol.
Lien calmly converted all three free throws to trim the deficit to 69-68.
Fo Guang then applied a full-court press on the ensuing possession, forcing a turnover that led to Chiu Chingen’s go-ahead three-pointer with 14 seconds remaining, giving the Taiwanese side a 71-69 lead.
NU still had a chance to force overtime, but Pingol missed a reverse layup before Cayabyab’s heavily contested putback also fell short as time expired. Both seniors were left in disbelief after no foul was called on either attempt.
The loss spoiled an outstanding performance from Cayabyab, who finished with 18 points on 9-of-14 shooting, along with 13 rebounds and five assists.
Cielo Pagdulagan and Marga Villanueva chipped in 12 points apiece, with Villanueva knocking down four three-pointers, while Zaydhen Rosano contributed 10 points.
Pingol added nine points and 13 rebounds.
It was a disappointing end to an otherwise impressive campaign for the Lady Bulldogs, who swept the group stage with victories over Malaysia, National Taiwan Normal University, and York University by an average winning margin of 5.0 points.
NU’s title hopes were dashed in the semifinals following a 75-63 loss to Tohoku Gakuin.
Fo Guang placed four players in double figures, with Chiu Chingen leading the way with 15 points.
Lien finished with 16 points, while Chiu Zihyun and Huang Yuting added 14 points each.
Fo Guang also connected on 10 three-pointers in the contest.
