The National University wasted little time routing the De La Salle University Lady Archers, 98-44, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Jack Animam was her dominant self anew, pouring 22 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists, to go with a steal and a block. Her performance steered the Lady Bulldogs to an 8-0 record and extended their historic win streak to 88 victories.
NU are also chasing a sixth straight title.
“It not only helps NU right now, but it also motivates her a lot to play better. We need Jack to play better every game kasi siya ang heart and soul ng team ngayon eh. Tumataas ang game namin when she’s there,” said coach Pat Aquino.
Congolese center Rhena Itesi dropped a double-double with her 18 points and 11 rebounds. Kaye Pingol continued to do the dirty work with her 14 points, six steals, and two boards.
Fil-Am forward Kelli Hayes scored 11 points and three assists. Rookie Camille Clarin also added 11 points, with three rebounds and three dimes.
NU were quick to assert control of the game with a 28-8 opener, caging La Salle. They then unloaded 32 points in the second quarter to seize a 40-point halftime lead, 60-20.
The lead swelled to as high as 57, after a put-back from Animam with 1:02 remaining, in another ruthless showing for the defending champions.
Still, Aquino believes that the Lady Bulldogs can improve even after this 54-point blowout.
“I want them to play better than that,” he said. “‘Di naman ako metikuloso, but we want to exceed more on some of those things that we have on our expectations, kasi after Jack and Rhena this season, yung mga natitira na lang eh. So I want the others to experience and play a lot to prepare them for next season.”
Bennette Revillosa uncorked 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists to lead the Lady Archers, who bowed in back-to-back games and fall to a 3-5 record.
Super rookie Kent Pastrana was also held to just eight points, four boards, and three steals. Lee Sario got eight points and five rebounds as well for La Salle.
The Scores:
NU 98 — Animam 22, Itesi 18, Pingol 14, Hayes 12, Clarin 11, Cac 7, Cacho 6, Canuto 2, Fabruada 2, Goto 2, Surada 2, Bartolo 0, Del Carmen 0, Harada 0.
DLSU 44 — Revillosa 13, Pastrana 8, Sario 8, Espinas 6, Jajurie 2, Jimenez 2, Paraiso 2, Quingco 2, Torres 1, Binaohan 0, Castillo 0, Dalisay 0, Okoli 0.
Quarterscores: 28-8, 60-20, 79-32, 98-44.
