Camille Clarin nailed a clutch three-pointer with 45.2 seconds left, sealing National University’s come-from-behind 64-59 victory over University of the Philippines and pushing the Fighting Maroons to the brink of elimination in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.
Clarin, who had only three points entering the fourth quarter, erupted for 13 in the final period, hitting four three-pointers and a free throw to power the Lady Bulldogs’ comeback from a 44-48 deficit.
The 5-foot-9 Filipino-Canadian senior guard also contributed five assists and four rebounds for an all-around performance.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“It was a timely hit by CC late in the fourth. Credit to her because she made four three-point shots in the game. Yung first seven attempts niya sablay, but she didn’t lose focus or confidence to take the shot when it mattered the most,” said NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan.
Maymay Canuto, Tin Cayabyab, Angel Surada, Clarin, and Jainaba Konateh orchestrated a 16-2 run to give NU a 60-50 lead with 5:41 left.
UP’s Kaye Pesquera then responded with a 9-0 run of her own to cut the deficit to one, 60-59, with 3:10 left, as both teams missed crucial shots in the final minutes.
Clarin, however, drained another triple to give the Lady Bulldogs a four-point cushion, 63-59.
The Lady Bulldogs improved to a perfect 10-0, heading into a showdown with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Ann Pingol added 14 points for NU, while Cielo Pagdulagan and Surada contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UP, now at 3-8, faces a tough path to the postseason, needing to win their remaining games while hoping Ateneo de Manila University loses all of theirs to have a chance at a playoff for the fourth seed.
Pesquera was the sole Fighting Maroon in double figures with 16 points, while Louna Ozar chipped in nine points and nine rebounds.
UP will try to keep its slim playoff hopes alive next Sunday against De La Salle University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
NU 64 – Clarin 16, Pingol 14, Pagdulagan 11, Surada 10, Cayabyab 7, Konateh 4, Canuto 1, Betanio 1, Fabruada 0, Solis 0, Villanueva 0.
UP 59 – Pesquera 16, Ozar 9, Bariquit 6, Maw 6, Tapawan 4, Sauz 4, Nolasco 4, Vingno 3, Jimenez 3, Solitario 2, Lozada 2, Quinquinio 0, Barba 0.
Quarterscores: 8-17, 25-29, 44-48, 64-59.
