National University blazed from beyond the arc to torch Far Eastern University, 95-63, securing its 10th consecutive win in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament, Wednesday evening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Lady Bulldogs sank 12 of 22 three-point attempts, an impressive 54.5-percent clip, solidifying their hold on solo second place in the eight-team field with an 11-1 record.
Tin Cayabyab led the charge with 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting, adding 10 rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
NU’s streak continues to build momentum ahead of a two-game stretch against cellar-dwelling University of the East Lady Warriors and unbeaten University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses to close the eliminations.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Not really na ‘yon yung naging focus. I always tell them na not to settle for threes, but again, if it’s available and wide open, welcome naman namin ‘yon,” NU head coach DA Olan said.
“Good thing na lang na pumasok yung mga tira namin. We shot a good percentage on just 22 attempts, so we’re happy with that development.”
The Lady Bulldogs also moved the ball efficiently, finishing with 26 assists.
FEU stayed within striking distance in the second quarter, trailing just 23-20. Then NU unleashed a 23-6 run — highlighted by back-to-back layups from Marylene Solis and Angel Surada — to seize a commanding 46-26 lead.
The Lady Bulldogs carried that momentum into the third quarter, opening with four consecutive triples from Marga Villanueva, Aloha Betanio, and Xyza Pring. That eventually built an insurmountable 73-44 advantage heading into the final period.
Ann Pingol came close to her third straight career triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, alongside two steals and two blocks.
Betanio added 11 points on three triples, six rebounds, and three assists, while Dindy Medina went perfect from the field with 11 points on 3-of-3 shooting, two rebounds, and two steals.
Surada also delivered a near triple-double with 10 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.
NU aims for its 11th straight win against UE this Saturday, November 15, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The loss, meanwhile, was a major blow to FEU’s Final Four hopes.
The Lady Tamaraws dropped to a tie for fifth with Adamson University, both holding identical 4-7 records.
Amyah Espanol struggled, scoring 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting but contributed four rebounds, four assists, and three steals. MJ Manguiat finished with 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
FEU will look to halt its three-game skid when it faces De La Salle University on Sunday, November 16, also at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
NU (95) – Cayabyab 22, Pingol 11, Betanio 11, D. Medina 11, Surada 10, Solis 10, Villanueva 6, Pring 6, Ico 4, Garcia 2, Alterado 2, Canindo 0, S. Medina 0.
FEU (63) – Espanol 13, Manguiat 10, Abatayo 9, Ong 8, Pasilang 6, Villanueva 6, Salvani 4, Nagma 4, Patio 2, Casais 1, Lopez 0, Dela Torre 0.
Quarterscores: 23-15, 51-32, 73-44, 95-63.
