National University is back in the Finals, aiming to reclaim the throne it held for seven consecutive seasons.
The Lady Bulldogs overwhelmed the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 86-58, to complete a sweep of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball elimination round.
With this dominant win on Saturday morning at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, NU has secured an outright Finals berth.
This achievement marks NU’s 10th straight Finals appearance.
The Lady Bulldogs have only fallen short in the championship twice: in their first Finals run during Season 76 against De La Salle University, and last season against the University of Santo Tomas.
By sweeping the eliminations, NU forced a stepladder semifinals for the first time since Season 82.
They had settled for a traditional Final Four format in recent seasons after losses to La Salle in Season 85 and University of the Philippines in Season 86.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“The goal is to have the opportunity to go back to the Finals, and with this win, we finally got it. But the work doesn’t stop there,” said NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan. “It just gave us the opportunity to be there sa stage na ginugusto namin para maituloy namin yung goal namin of winning another championship.”
The Lady Bulldogs established dominance right from tip-off, racing to a 16-0 lead before closing the first quarter with a commanding 29-10 advantage.
Impressively, eight NU players scored at least two points in that opening frame alone.
NU showcased its incredible depth, with all 14 players fielded contributing to the scoreboard.
Cielo Pagdulagan led the balanced attack with 11 points, the only Lady Bulldog in double figures.
Jill Talas added nine points, while Aloha Betanio and Angel Surada chipped in eight points apiece.
Daniella Alterado, Pringle Fabruada, Jainaba Konateh, and Nicole Pring each scored seven points.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Masaya kami pero not too high, not too low. Lagi kaming nireremind ng coaches na the job is not done,” said Surada, a fourth-year forward. “Thank God na-sweep namin at nakabalik ulit kami sa championship. Ilang months namin hinintay ‘to simula last year pagkatalo.”
Ball movement was a critical factor in NU’s victory, with the team dishing out 32 assists on 33 made field goals, showcasing their chemistry and teamwork.
On the other hand, FEU wrapped up its campaign in seventh place with a 3-11 record, mirroring its performance from last season.
Victoria Pasilang led the Lady Tamaraws in their final game of the season with 18 points and five rebounds.
MJ Manguiat also contributed 15 points but struggled with ball security, committing 11 turnovers.
With the Finals within reach, NU now sets its sights on completing its mission and regaining its championship form.
The Scores:
NU 86 – Pagdulagan 11, Talas 9, Betanio 8, Surada 8, Alterado 7, Fabruada 7, Konateh 7, Pring 7, Pingol 6, Clarin 5, Sois 3, Villanueva 3, Ico 3, Canuto 2.
FEU 58 – Pasilang 18, Manguiat 15, Salvani 8, Nagma 6, Villanueva 5, Ong 4, Gavaran 2, Lopez 0, Paras 0, Dela Torre 0.
Quarterscores: 29-10, 44-30, 62-43, 86-58.
