Defending seven-time champion National University secured its second consecutive victory in dominant fashion, romping winless University of the East, 72-50, in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Adamson University Gym in Manila.
The Lady Bulldogs stayed in step with University of the Philippines (6-0) as they now hold a 5-1 win-loss record, fueled by back-to-back wins against the University of Santo Tomas (76-64) and the Lady Warriors.
“Always, ang challenge sa team namin after a loss is how well you bounce back the following game and the games after that. We’re quite happy, but not yet satisfied. Yes, we got the W, but to turn the ball over 20 times speaks of our carelessness in this game,” second-year Lady Bulldogs head coach Aris Dimaunahan said.
Ann Pingol took charge for the eight-peat-seeking NU squad with 14 points and three rebounds in 17 minutes of action, while Angel Surada delivered a double-double performance with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Gypsy Canuto steadied NU’s offense with eight assists.
In classic Lady Bulldogs fashion, it was their defense that led to the eventual blowout win, as they limited the Lady Warriors to just nine points in the third quarter.
On other end, the Lady Bulldogs poured in 20 in the said quarter with Pingol and Surada taking charge, before a buzzer-beating trey from Bianca Alcantara put the game away for good for a 59-39 cushion.
“We gave up 30 points in the first half, which is too much for us. We take pride in our defense, so maybe after the halftime break, the players woke up, and we only allowed 20 points after that,” Dimaunahan added.
NU will aim to end the first round on a high note when its faces an in-form Adamson University on Saturday at the same venue at 1:00 PM.
Rrixie Burgos led UE’s efforts with 12 points and 14 boards, but the team’s 30 turnovers spelled their doom in their sixth consecutive defeat this season.
The Lady Warriors will try to break their losing streak when they face De La Salle University at 11:00 AM also on Saturday.
The Scores:
NU 72 – Pingol 14, Surada 11, Fabruada 8, Solis 6, Betanio 5, Clarin 5, Alterado 4, Canuto 3, Cayabyab 3, Ico 3, Alcantara 3, Talas 2, Bartolo 2, Berberabe 2, Magbanua 1.
UE 50 – Burgos 12, Delig 11, Paule 10, Pedregosa 5, Ronquillo 4, Dela Rosa 3, Lorena 3, Kone 2, Ruiz 0, Del Carmen 0, Lumibao 0.
Quarterscores: 20-16, 39-30, 59-39, 72-50.
