By: Joaquin Cortez
National University answered every De La Salle University run to fend off the Lady Archers, 75-71, and close out a challenging first round on a winning note in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
With the win, the Lady Bulldogs climbed to solo second in the standings at 5-2, bouncing back from a tough 71-82 loss to University of the Philippines last Wednesday.
Cielo Pagdulangan paced NU with 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals, followed by Ann Pingol, who tallied 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, and five steals. Tin Cayabyab added 10 points and seven rebounds.
Nigerian foreign student-athlete Bukky Ojo led DLSU with a double-double of 29 points and 15 rebounds, while Kyla Go chipped in 21 points and five assists.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“It’s really a struggle for us in the paint, especially playing teams with foreign-student athletes. We’re small compared to other teams talaga, so sabi ko lang sa kanila to keep working,” NU head coach DA Olan said. “I commend our bigs na nagpalitan i-defend yung FSA ng La Salle.
“La Salle is playing well, but they’re not able to get wins, pero ang games nila ay always close. Sabi ko nga, ‘Bound for a win ’tong La Salle. They deserve to win because of how well they are playing,’” he added.
The Lady Bulldogs found themselves trailing early as Ojo converted both free throws to give the Lady Archers a 19-6 advantage in the first quarter. NU responded with a 21-7 run that carried into the second period, capped by Pingol’s and-one conversion to reclaim the lead, 27-26.
However, the Lady Bulldogs struggled to contain Ojo, who erupted for 23 points in the first half. Back-to-back baskets from Go helped DLSU restore a nine-point cushion at halftime, 43-34.
NU rediscovered its rhythm in the third quarter, unleashing a 21-3 run capped by Cayabyab’s three-pointer to seize a 55-46 lead.
La Salle refused to back down, responding with an 11-2 run highlighted by Go’s three-pointers to knot the game at 57-all heading into the final period.
DLSU last held the lead at 62-60 with eight minutes remaining before Pagdulangan and Pingol knocked down timely triples to put NU ahead by six, 69-63, with just over three minutes left. Cayabyab later buried a two-point jumper to cap the surge and extend the Lady Bulldogs’ lead to 75-63, completing a decisive 15-1 run.
La Salle made one last push, but time was not on its side as NU held on for the victory.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Sinasabi ko nga sa kanila na ’Di puwedeng sa fourth quarter kami dedepensa.’ Hindi puwedeng ganon pero at the crucial moments talaga, I can count on them na de-defend sila at kung kailangan ko sila, nandiyan sila,” said Pingol.
Meanwhile, DLSU finished the opening round with just one win against six losses.
The game also marked the first time NU women’s basketball legend Afril Bernardino faced her alma mater — this time from the bench, as a member of La Salle’s coaching staff.
Both teams will open their second-round campaigns on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
NU will look to secure its second straight win when it faces Kacey Dela Rosa and the Ateneo Blue Eagles at 12:00 PM. Meanwhile, DLSU will aim to return to the win column against University of the East at 8:00 AM.
The Scores:
NU 75 – Pagdulagan 18, Pingol 14, Cayabyab 10, Betanio 9, Villanueva 8, Alba 6, Garcia 4, Lapasaran 3, Solis 3, Rosano 0, Alterado 0.
DLSU (71) – Ojo 29, Go 21, Villapando 6, Bacierto 5, Lubrico 5, Dizon 4, Anastacio 1, Sunga 0, Villarin 0.
Quarterscores: 14-19, 34-43, 57-57, 75-71.
