National University reminded the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball field on Saturday that it remains a formidable force, despite losing the crown last year.
The Lady Bulldogs exorcised the ghost of their previous demise, defeating the defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses, 75-69, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The match was not without its challenges, as UST fought back from a 16-point deficit with 6:25 remaining.
That briefly evoked memories of their remarkable comeback in Season 86’s Game 3 of the Finals.
Karylle Sierba, Eka Soriano, and Kent Pastrana sparked hope for the Growling Tigresses by drilling three straight triples. Together, they narrowed the gap to just seven points with 4:55 to go, making the score 61-68.
However, UST ran out of steam in the final minutes, failing to build on their momentum.
Angel Surada then provided crucial insurance for the Lady Bulldogs.
“I thought it was learning again even though we got the win. We’re happy with the win, but there is a lot of work to be done moving forward sa season na ito. We have to get better at protecting leads,” said NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Lady Bulldogs had already established an 11-point lead at halftime and increased it significantly in the third period.
Jainaba Konateh and Cielo Pagdulagan led a strong run – capped by Camille Clarin’s layup with 2:22 remaining – which marked the largest lead of the game at 24 points, 61-37.
This victory did not just provide closure for NU after last year’s heart-wrenching Finals defeat. It also positioned them at the top of the eight-team field with an impressive 4-0 record.
Konateh, NU’s Gambian center, dominated in the paint, finishing with 17 points on 3-of-3 shooting from the field. She also made all but one of her 12 attempts from the free-throw line and grabbed nine rebounds.
Clarin contributed 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists, though she struggled from the field, hitting only five of her 18 attempts.
Surada had a solid performance as well, finishing with 11 points and 14 rebounds, including eight on the offensive end.
NU, which once held a seven-season reign in women’s basketball before UST’s rise, will look to extend its unbeaten streak on Wednesday against Adamson University at the Big Dome.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the other hand, UST’s rookie Gin Relliquette led her team with 12 points, but the Growling Tigresses dropped to 3-1, putting them in solo second place.
Brigette Santos added 11 points, along with five assists, four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, while Rocel Dionisio contributed 10 points and eight rebounds.
Unfortunately, UST’s aces, namely Kent Pastrana, Eka Soriano, and Tacky Tacatac, were largely contained.
Pastrana, a member of last season’s Mythical team, struggled with her shooting, going 3-of-13 from the field to finish with just seven points. Still, she managed to grab 10 rebounds.
Soriano, the Season 85 MVP, shot only 1-of-7 for eight points, along with five rebounds and four assists, while Tacatac was held scoreless, missing both of her attempts.
UST will have a week-long break before returning to action on September 29 against De La Salle University at the same venue.
The Scores:
NU 75 – Konateh 17, Clarin 14, Surada 11, Pagdulagan 9, Pingol 9, Cayabyab 6, Fabruada 4, Betanio 3, Canuto 2, Solis 0, Talas 0.
UST 69 – Relliquette 12, Santos 11, Dionisio 10, Soriano 8, Pastrana 7, Bron 6, Maglupay 5, N. Danganan 5, Sierba 3, Ambos 2, Serrano 0, Pineda 0.
Quarterscores: 24-16, 41-30, 62-42, 75-69
