Ria Nabalan finally seized a triple-double in the UAAP Season 80 Women’s Basketball Tournament as defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs eased to a 76-56 win against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws.
“I’m just happy for her and I’m thankful sa teammates niya. Hindi niya naman magagawa yun without yung teammates niya. Sabi ko sa kanya just keep on working hard,” remarked NU coach Patrick Aquino.
Nabalan scattered 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists to earn her career game after she failed to get the one assist needed in NU’s first round clash against the UST Growling Tigresses last September 20 to seal the deal.
Trixie Antiquera led NU with 17 points today at the Blue Eagle Gym in Ateneo de Manila University. Jack Animam contributed 11 points and 14 rebounds, while Rhena Itesi and Je Anne Camelo scored 12 and 10 baskets each.
The Lady Bulldogs never allowed the Lady Tamaraws a taste of the lead in the ballgame and enjoyed their widest separation at 74-47 after Camelo’s two consecutive threes at the 1:29 mark of the fourth quarter.
With only 13 seconds left in the game, Nabalan secured the one assist she needed to clinch a triple-double when she passed the ball towards Patricia Lopez, who converted the easy lay-up.
NU ultimately prevailed 76-56 at FEU’s expense, not only get their eighth straight win this season but to also extend the unbeaten streak to 56 games.
The Lady Bulldogs had a party in the paint with 40 inside points versus the Lady Tamaraws’ 20. NU moved the ball better as well with 26 assists compared to FEU’s 12.
Aquino added, “Everybody has to step up. That’s what I’d want to improve onin my team. Pag ipapasok ko sila, dapat may maipakita sila. Yun yung gusto ko.”
NU (8-0) look to get their ninth win of the season against the Adamson University at 8:00 AM, while FEU (3-5) look to bounce back against University of the Philippines at 10:00 AM. Both games will be held on October 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Scores:
NU 76 – Antiquera 17, Nabalan 12, Itesi 12, Animam 11, Camelo 10, Del Carmen 5, Sison 4, Ceño 3, Lopez 2, Cacho 0, Harada 0.
FEU 56 – Balleser 17, Mamaril 10, Arellado 7, Quiapo 7, Ouano 5, Gerner 5, Okunlola 4, Bastatas 1, Taguiam 0, Jumuad 0, Bahuyan 0, Antiola 0.
Quarterscores: 20-10, 37-23, 53-33, 76-56.
