National University solidified its dominance over archrival and reigning champion University of Santo Tomas, 76-70, to extend its win streak to 11 games in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
This victory secured the Lady Bulldogs at least a playoff spot for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, should they fail to complete an elimination sweep.
NU’s quest for its seventh elimination round sweep in nine seasons now faces challenges from Adamson University, De La Salle University, and Far Eastern University.
“Just glad that we pulled through in this one because we had a rough start, but I’m happy with how our players responded even though [UST] jumped at us early,” Lady Bulldogs head coach Aris Dimaunahan said.
“We did not lose the focus we should have had for 40 minutes, and part of that is why we came back quickly – because CC got some baskets early on.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
After Karylle Sierba’s three-pointer briefly gave UST a two-point lead in the third quarter, 59-57, NU responded with a 13-0 run.
A Cielo Pagdulagan inside shot in the final period gave the Lady Bulldogs an 11-point cushion, 70-59, with less than 7:30 remaining.
A layup by Tacky Tacatac trimmed the Growling Tigresses’ deficit to seven, 74-67, but layups by Angel Surada and a crucial turnover by Brigette Santos sealed NU’s 11th straight win.
With this victory, NU completed a head-to-head elimination round sweep of UST, replicating its 75-69 win from the first round on September 21.
“I think that’s part of the challenge – how we should play the game from start to finish. Siyempre, hindi perfect, but the real challenge is how well we bounce back when adversities and lapses happen, especially on the defensive side,” Dimaunahan added.
Camille Clarin led the Lady Bulldogs’ charge with 21 points (18 in the first half), along with seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. Meanwhile, Pagdulagan added 17 points (seven in the fourth quarter), six rebounds, two assists, and one block.
Ann Pingol contributed 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, while Surada added eight points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block.
In 14 minutes and 15 seconds of play, Fabruada contributed four points, a game-high eight rebounds, and two assists.
NU will aim to inch closer to an elimination round sweep when they face Adamson, which is returning to the Final Four after a five-year absence, on Sunday, Nov. 10, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, UST remains in solo second place with a 9-2 record, both losses coming at the hands of NU.
Tacatac led UST in the losing effort with 21 points, three assists, and two steals.
UAAP Season 86 Athlete of the Year Kent Pastrana added 14 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block.
CJ Maglupay contributed 10 points, six rebounds, two steals, and one block, while Brigette Santos filled the stat sheet with eight points, six assists, five steals, four rebounds, and two blocks.
The Growling Tigresses will look to bounce back when they take on University of the East on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the same Cubao venue.
The Scores:
NU (76) – Clarin 21, Pagdulagan 17, Pingol 11, Surada 8, Canuto 6, Betanio 5, Fabruada 4, Cayabyab 4, Konateh 0, Villanueva 0, Solis 0, Alterado 0.
UST (70) – Tacatac 21, Pastrana 14, Maglupay 10, Santos 8, Sierba 8, Bron 4, Ambos 2, Serrano 2, N. Danganan 1, Soriano 0, Pescador 0, Relliquette 0.
Quarterscores: 23-19, 44-40, 61-59, 76-70.
