National University scraped past Far Eastern University, 66-60, to solidify its hold on second place in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Lady Bulldogs never relinquished the lead but found the Lady Tamaraws a tough nut to crack before securing their second straight win.
Following a 76-63 victory over University of the East last Wednesday, NU remained in solo second place in the standings with a 4-1 record.
“First of all, we commend FEU for really giving us a hard time in this game, but we’re also proud of how we finished the game. At least we were able to pull this off. We struggled the whole game, but we found a way to win,” said NU head coach DA Olan.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
The Lady Bulldogs gained an early upper hand, closing out the second quarter with a 15-5 run to take a 32-22 lead into halftime.
NU kept FEU at bay, with Kristine Cayabyab leading the way. The Lady Bulldogs maintained a double-digit advantage heading into the final frame, leaving the Lady Tamaraws with little room to build momentum.
Victoria Pasilang, however, ensured that FEU would not go down without a fight in the fourth quarter. She led the Lady Tamaraws’ comeback bid and cutting the deficit to 58-55 with a three-pointer with 2:20 remaining.
After several back-and-forth sequences in the final two minutes, Marga Villanueva created some separation by knocking down a crucial three-pointer to give NU a seven-point cushion with 36 seconds left.
Amyah Espanol answered with a three-pointer of her own, but Ann Pingol ultimately sealed the win from the free-throw line as the Lady Bulldogs held on for the victory.
“Sa latter part, nag-stay composed kami. Nandoon kami para sa isa’t isa kaya nakuha namin ‘yung win,” said Pingol, the reigning MVP, who led NU with 14 points, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
Cayabyab added 10 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
The Lady Bulldogs will look to extend their winning streak when they face University of the Philippines on Wednesday, October 21, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
FEU, meanwhile, absorbed its third consecutive loss after opening the season with back-to-back wins, dropping to 2-3 for sixth place in the standings.
Espanol paced the Lady Tamaraws with 18 points and six rebounds, while Pasilang contributed 16 points and seven rebounds.
The Lady Tamaraws will look to bounce back against Adamson University, also on Wednesday.
The Scores:
NU 66 – Pingol 14, Cayabyab 10, Pagdulagan 9, Villanueva 9, Rosano 8, Garcia 8, Solis 5, Alterado 2, Alba 1, Betanio 0, Lapasaran 0.
FEU 60 – Espanol 18, Pasilang 16, Salvani 9, Patio 7, Lopez 6, Dela Torre 4, Maguiat 0, Kant 0, Agcambot 0, Gavaran 0.
Quarterscores: 15-13, 32-22, 52-41, 66-60.
