National University weathered an early storm from De La Salle University, picking up momentum in the second half to secure a 64-49 win, kickstarting its redemption campaign in the UAAP Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Adamson Gym.
Seniors Camille Clarin and Tin Cayabyab led the charge, with Clarin tallying 16 points, six rebounds, three steals, and an assist, while Cayabyab recorded 13 points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
However, it was the second unit, led by rookie Cielo Pagdulagan, that helped the Lady Bulldogs break away from the Lady Archers in the second half.
“Just glad that the first game of the season is done. Not the prettiest win, but we’ll take it. I understand that this is the first game of the season, at may jitters pa. Some of the rookies, siyempre couldn’t control their emotions, but that’s part of growing,” said third-year Lady Bulldogs head coach Aris Dimaunahan.
Holding a slim 33-32 lead in the third quarter, Pagdulagan, a 6-foot product of the NU-NS program, scored five points during an 18-4 run — including a three-point play that gave NU a 50-37 advantage.
“Si Cielo medyo super excited pa, but that is expected,” said Dimaunahan about Pagdulagan, who finished with 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting, along with four rebounds, a steal, and a block.
“I think this is just another talented set of rookies, but we’ve been telling them that talent will not bring them anywhere in the UAAP. But they are super willing to learn from us seniors,” added team captain Clarin, as much is expected from Pagdulagan and her fellow rookies, Marga Villanueva and Nicole Pring.
The Lady Bullpups continued to pour it on in the final frame, limiting the Lady Archers to just seven points.
Pring is expected to recover from a left ankle injury by next week while Ann Pingol was out for the contest due to being under the weather.
NU will aim for back-to-back wins when they face Josee Kaputu and Far Eastern University on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meanwhile, Tricia Mendoza led La Salle with a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double, while super senior Bernice Paraiso contributed 10 points and six boards.
Up next for La Salle is Adamson on Wednesday, still at the same Quezon City venue.
The Scores:
NU 64 – Clarin 16, Cayabyab 13, Pagdulagan 11, Solis 8, Fabruada 7, Surada 5, Talas 3, Konateh 1, Canuto 0 , Betanio 0, Alterado 0, Ico 0, Pring 0.
DLSU 49 – Mendoza 16, Paraiso 10, Sario 7, Binaohan 4, Sunga 4, Dalisay 2, Bacierto 2, Camba 2, De La Paz 2, San Juan 0, Delos Reyes 0.
Quarterscores: 17-17, 33-28, 57-38, 64-49
