National University, determined to deliver a stronger second-round performance, coasted to an 84-60 victory over Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With their second straight win, the Lady Bulldogs improved to 6-2 to maintain their hold on second place and strengthen their Final Four bid.
NU also extended its winning streak against the Blue Eagles, a run that dates back to 2012.
“We told them na itong second round, second chances. So if we can do a lot better than the first round, hopefully, we can turn things around. Very crucial na we start this second round with a really good game,” said head coach Da Olan.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Ateneo, meanwhile, dropped to 3-5 in sixth place, remaining outside the top four.
After a slow start, NU came alive in the second quarter, with its bench providing steady contributions as the Lady Bulldogs built a 21-point lead before halftime.
The Blue Eagles, however, managed to chip away at the deficit in the third quarter, stringing together several runs. Alyssa Rodriguez capped the rally with a triple to cut the lead to 55-43 with three minutes remaining in the period.
The Lady Bulldogs quickly responded, capitalizing on MVP frontrunner Kacey Dela Rosa’s time on the bench to widen the gap to 74-52 midway through the fourth quarter with timely three-pointers.
NU continued to find its range from beyond the arc down the stretch, cruising to a convincing 84-60 victory.
“Malaki po talaga pagpapasalamat ko kay Coach Da na pinagtitiwalaan niya ako, despite na marami din akong i-improve pa, and despite doon, malaki yung tiwala na binigay niya sa akin,” said rookie Aubrey Lapasaran.
Tin Cayabyab led the Lady Bulldogs with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
Lapasaran followed with 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Ann Pingol chipped in 14 points, six rebounds, three steals, and three assists.
NU looks to build on its momentum when it faces the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Saturday, October 31, at 10 a.m. at the same venue.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Dela Rosa posted a double-double of 25 points and 16 rebounds to go with three blocks and two steels to lead Ateneo in the losing effort, while Kai Oani added 12 points, three assists, and two steals.
The Blue Eagles will look to bounce back against the Adamson Lady Falcons on Saturday, October 31, at 12 p.m. at the same venue.
The Scores:
NU 84 – Cayabyab 17, Lapasaran 16, Pingol 14, Solis 9, Villanueva 8, Betanio 7, Pagdulagan 7, Alba 2, Rosano 2, Alterado 2, Garcia 0.
Ateneo 60 – Dela Rosa 25, Oani 12, Calago 9, Rodriguez 6, Potter 4, Udal 4, Cruza 0, Cancio 0, H. Lopez 0, De Luna 0, L. Lopez 0.
Quarterscores: 20-14, 46-27, 64-48, 84-60.
