Highly-regarded freshman Kristine Cayabyab reset her career-high, powering National University a 93-72 win over De La Salle University for their sixth straight win in the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Basketball Tournament, Wednesday at Quadricentennial Pavillion in Manila.
Cayabyab, who scored 19 points in the Lady Bulldogs’ 100-66 win over Adamson University last Saturday, tallied 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting with eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
It was a timely production for NU who did not have sophomore Ann Pingol due to fever.
“We kinda started slow. We missed the services of Ann Pingol but the other guys stepped up, and contributed really well,” said first-year NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan. “Nakalayo kami sa second half. It’s a total collective effort from everyone on our team.”
“First of all, credit sa coaches ko, especially Coach Aris. Every game, sinasabi niya sa akin, bawi lang, bawi lang. Ngayon lang ako bumabawi kay Coach Aris. Gusto ko rin mag-step up dahil wala si Karl Ann,” added Cayabyab, who was the MVP of the UAAP Season 84 Women’s 3×3 Tournament.
Holding a 69-57 lead with 8:38 left in the game, the Lady Bulldogs found the touch from deep, nailing six triples in a 24-8 run to gain a 93-65 lead with 1:54 remaining.
The win is NU’s 102nd straight victory in the league as well.
Camille Clarin tallied 19 points, seven assists, and five steals as well. Moreover, the sophomore winger helped limit La Salle ace Charmine Torres to just 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting from the field.
“She by her lonesome guarded Charmine Torres. Siya yung driver ng La Salle. I give credit to Camille for coming out with her defensive prowess. That’s what leaders are, kahit hindi ka maka-shoot, you can affect the game still by doing the other things,” lauded Dimaunahan about Clarin.
Aninick Edimo Tiky tallied 15 points and eight rebounds for NU while Angel Surada added 12 points and eight boards.
Fina Niantcho paced La Salle with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting with six rebounds while Lee Sario added 17 markers.
The Lady Archers fell to 4-2 in the standings, still good for solo third.
The Scores:
NU (93) – Cayabyab 27, Clarin 19, Edimo Tiky 15, Surada 12, Cacho 9, Fabruada 6, Canuto 5, Betanio 0, Villareal 0, Solis 0, Bartolo 0, Talas 0, Ico 0, Estacio 0, Dimaunahan 0.
DLSU (72) – Niantcho Tchuido 20, Sario 17, Torres 12, Binaohan 8, Espinas 6, Arciga 6, De La Paz 3, Jimenez 0, Dalisay 0, Ahmed 0, Castillo 0, Camba 0.
Quarterscores: 18-12, 40-32, 65-52, 93-72.
