The National University Lady Bulldogs opened their UAAP Season 77 Women’s Basketball Tournament campaign with a resounding 62-46 win over the Adamson University Lady Falcons. The Bulldogs struggled early in the first quarter, falling into a 0-7 hole in the opening minutes. Afril Bernardino, who finished as the highest scorer of the game with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals led NU’s comeback to close out the quarter with a 16-11 lead.
The Lady Bulldogs would pull away from the Lady Falcons in the third quarter, outscoring Adamson 17-8 and build a convincing 52-36 lead heading into the final quarter of the game. The Lady Falcons would hold the Lady Bulldogs to ten points in the final quarter, but failed to dismantle NU’s lead, which had ballooned by as much as 19 points early in the final period.
Risa Paig and Andrea Tongco chipped in 9 points apiece for NU. Jingky Balasta led all Adamson scorers with 14 points, with Jesus Avila adding 10 points and 5 rebounds.
