Picking up steam, the National University Lady Bulldogs handed the De La Salle University Lady Archers a 54-point whipping, 112-58, in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament, Wednesday at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Center Rhena Itesi led NU’s barrage with 20 points, 19 rebounds, and a block. Meanwhile, Season 80 MVP Jack Animam added 18 points and 13 boards.
Knowing that the Lady Archers are contenders to watch this season, NU head coach Patrick Aquino’s call was to start aggressively.
“I told the girls to play hard. We’ve been coming off the start very slow. Going into the game, they are in it by the second quarter and then slow again in the third quarter,” he said. “I just want us to be consistent with everything – to start strong and finish stronger.”
The Lady Bulldogs picked it up a notch in the second period after scoring 29 points in the opening quarter, while limiting the Lady Archers to only nine.
Camille Clarin set the tone in the first half, scoring 11 of her 19 points in the opening frame. Meanwhile, Kaye Pingol and Kelli Hayes produced 14 and 11 markers, respectively.
In the heat of a 60-percent field goal shooting, NU built a 35-point cushion at the half at 62-29.
Though La Salle tried to mount a third-quarter fightback, but the lead was just too much to overcome. The Lady Bulldogs then went to clinch their 83rd consecutive victory.
Chuchi Paraiso and rookie Kent Pastrana paced the Lady Archers with 14 and 11 points.
La Salle dropped their second straight game, falling to 1-2.
NU will take on the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses on Sunday, September 15 at 8 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. On the other hand, La Salle battle the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Wednesday, September 18, at 10 a.m. still at UST.
The Scores:
NU (112) – Itesi 20, Clarin 19, Animam 18, Pingol 14, Hayes 11, Cac 9, Supada 4, Canuto 4, Cacho 4, Bartolo 3, Harada 2, Fabruada 2, Del Carmen 2, Goto 0.
DLSU (58) – Paraiso 14, Pastrana 12, Revillosa 8, Binaohan 7, Quingco 6, Torres 3, Sario 3, Castillo 3, Okoli 2, Jimenez 0, Jajurie 0, Espinas 0, Camba 0, El Hadad 0.
Quarterscores: 29-9, 62-27, 70-43, 112-58
