National University secured the top seed in the 2026 BLIA Cup after completing a sweep of Pool B.
The Lady Bulldogs fended off York University, 81-76, on Friday at the Kaohsiung Arena in Taiwan to finish the group stage undefeated.
NU will face Japan’s Tohoku Gakuin University in the knockout semifinals on Saturday.
Facing a determined York side, the Lady Bulldogs trailed 74-72 before Tin Cayabyab came through with a crucial and-one basket with 2:56 remaining to put NU back in control.
Cayabyab stayed composed at the free-throw line down the stretch, knocking down key foul shots to seal the victory and complete NU’s perfect run in pool play.
She finished with 12 points, converting six of her seven attempts from the charity stripe.
Cielo Pagdulagan paced the Lady Bulldogs with 17 points, while Ann Pingol contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Aloha Betanio also chipped in 12 points, highlighted by two three-pointers.
York, which wrapped up its pool stage campaign without a win, was led by Chantelle Sturt, who posted 17 points and nine rebounds. Gabriella Di Pietro added 14 points, while Ella Okubasu scored 10.
NU opened its campaign with an 81-78 escape over Malaysia before following it up with a 79-66 victory against National Taiwan Normal University.
