Ann Pingol powered defending champion National University past the skidding University of the Philippines with a wire-to-wire 82-61 victory to extend its winning streak to seven games in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament, Wednesday morning at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Looking to bounce back from a quiet two-point outing on 0-of-4 shooting against Ateneo de Manila University last Sunday, Pingol came out firing. She posted a dominant double-double of 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting and 10 rebounds, alongside five steals and four assists.
She also registered a game-high plus-25 efficiency rating.
Behind her all-around brilliance, NU completed an elimination round sweep of UP (following their 95-58 first-round win last October 4). It also maintained its grip on solo second place in the eight-team field with an 8-1 record — just behind the still-unbeaten University of Santo Tomas, which continues to lead the tournament with an 8-0 slate.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Most of the game, we played well and followed the game plan. I commend the players because they adjusted quickly to how UP was defending. Generally, we are happy with this win,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach DA Olan.
UP managed to stay within striking distance at 34-28 after a five-point burst from Camille Nolasco midway through the second quarter. But NU responded with a decisive 14-5 run capped by three consecutive inside baskets from Xyza Pring and Tin Cayabyab to build a 48-33 halftime cushion.
The Lady Bulldogs kept their foot on the gas in the third period. Pingol, Aloha Betanio, and Marylene Solis combined for a 13-3 blitz that sent the Fighting Maroons down by as much as 25 points, 61-36 — a deficit they would never recover from.
Cayabyab provided steady support with 19 points on an efficient 8-of-12 clip, along with five rebounds and one block. Betanio chipped in 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Solis also finished with 12 points, three rebounds, and one steal. Meanwhile, Angel Surada contributed an all-around effort of nine points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks.
NU will look to secure its eighth straight victory when it faces De La Salle University this Sunday, November 2, at the same Pasay venue.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, UP — which began the season with back-to-back wins over Adamson University and University of the East — has now dropped seven consecutive games, with an average losing margin of 20.9 points.
Shane Cunanan led the Fighting Maroons with 18 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, while Nolasco added 14 points, three rebounds, and one steal.
Rhea Solitario chipped in nine points, three rebounds, and one steal.
Gilas Pilipinas Women standout Louna Ozar nearly tallied a double-double with eight points, nine assists, five rebounds, and three steals.
UP will try to finally end its slump when it faces UST next Wednesday, November 5, still at the MOA Arena.
The Scores:
NU (82) – Cayabyab 19, Pingol 16, Betanio 12, Solis 12, Surada 9, Pring 7, D. Medina 3, Canindo 2, Villanueva 2, Garcia 0, Ico 0, Alterado 0.
UP (61) – Cunanan 18, Nolasco 14, Solitario 9, Ozar 8, Tapawan 5, Vingno 3, Maw 2, Mejasco 2, Mendoza 0, Castro 0, Barba 0, Santos 0, Evangelista 0.
Quarterscores: 25-18, 48-33, 69-46, 82-61
