ANTIPOLO — National University extended its dominance in the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Basketball Tournament with a wire-to-wire, customary 67-44 win over Far Eastern University, Sunday at the Ynares Sports Center here.
The result means that NU swept the first round and extended its winning streak to 103 games. Meanwhile, FEU enters the second round with a 2-5 record.
Tin Cayabyab led the defending champions with 23 points and 10 rebounds followed by Mikka Cacho’s 12 points.
“I thought we struggled offensively at the start of the game,” said NU coach Aris Dimaunahan. “We couldn’t find our rhythm early on, but I thought also we played good defense versus FEU probably because Jack (Animam) is here.
“I thought na-inspire ang mga players with Jack around to play defense,” continued Dimaunahan as Animam was the team’s special guest.
Leading throughout the game, the Lady Bulldogs extended their cushion to as much as 65-38 off of a Camille Clarin basket with 4:18 remaining in the game.
The Lady Bulldogs’ bench mob proved too powerful for the Lady Tamaraws, as they produced 32 points compared to the latter’s 12 points. NU also had 32 points in the paint compared to FEU’s 16.
Princess Jumuad led the Lady Tamaraws with 14 points, while Danica Pacia contributed 13 rebounds.
The Scores:
NU (67) – Cayabyab 23, Cacho 12, Surada 7, Talas 6, Clarin 5, Edimo Tiky 4, Solis 4, Bartolo 3, Fabruada 2, Canuto 1, Betanio 0, Ico 0, Barroquillo 0, Villareal 0, Dimaunahan 0.
FEU (44) – Jumuad 14, Taguiam 9, Pacia 5, Aquino 4, Delos Santos 3, Go 3, Paras 3, Lopez 2, Geabroso 1, Salvani 0, Samonte 0, Obien 0.
Quarterscores: 13-6, 31-24, 54-38, 67-44.