Jack Animam powers NU’s 42-point rout of UST

Jack Animam anchored National University to its fourth consecutive win in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament with a 90-48 beatdown of University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Season 80 MVP dominated the paint for the Lady Bulldogs with 19 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks to stretch their historic unbeaten streak to 84 straight games.

Animam buoyed NU’s early 20-7 start as it slowly built the lead, taking a 29-point edge by halftime, 50-21.

“I just told the girls to start stronger. You got to be consistent,” said coach Pat Aquino, lauding his side’s improvements after starting the season slow.

Kaye Pingol added 15 points, six steals, three boards, and three assists, while Fil-Am forward Kelli Hayes got her 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists in the win.

It was all Lady Bulldogs in the game, as the lead extended to as high as 47, 87-40, after a Mikka Cacho bucket with 2:06 remaining in the game.

Despite NU’s 42-point rout, Aquino acknowledges how good this UST side is this year.

“Siguro ito ang magiging rival namin. UST is going to be a tough team to beat. They’re always there and they bring out the best in us. Maybe na-challenge din yung girls sa game na ito,” he said.

Lon Rivera topped the Golden Tigresses with 11 points on a horrid 3-of-13 clip from the field, while last season’s MVP Grace Irebu was held to just 10 points and 11 rebounds in the outing as they suffered their first loss in three games.

The Scores:

NU 90 –– Animam 19, Pingol 15, Hayes 12, Surada 9, Clarin 6, Itesi 6, Del Carmen 5, Cacho 4, Dimaunahan 3, Cac 3, Harada 2, Fabruada 2, Bartolo 2, Goto 1, Canuto 1.

UST 48 — Rivera 11, Irebu 10, Tacatac 9, Ferrer 6, Panti 5, Javier 4, Gandalla 2, Callangan 1, Portillo 0, Soriano 0, Sangalang 0, Gonzales 0.

Quarterscores: 25-12, 50-21, 62-34, 90-48.