University of the Philippines pulled away in the second half to stun National University, 82-71, for its third straight win in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Fighting Maroons sustained their winning momentum to improve to 4-2, tying Season 88 finalist NU for a share of second place in the standings.
It was UP’s first win over NU since October 8, 2023, when the Fighting Maroons handed the Lady Bulldogs their only loss of Season 86 with a 72-69 victory. That was also the last time UP reached the Final Four.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“We know that NU is a formidable team, but it did not get into our heads. We approached this game thinking that they’re a strong team, we want to respect them, but we don’t want to fear them. And that’s how we played today,” said first-year head coach Eric Altamirano, who coached NU to its last men’s basketball championship back in UAAP Season 77.
“I have to give it to the girls; they showed poise, they showed confidence when they played against a formidable team like NU,” he added.
After a back-and-forth first half, the Fighting Maroons found themselves trailing by five points in the third quarter but quickly bounced back behind Kennan Ka to knot the score at 55-all.
UP then turned the tide, pulling ahead to take a 69-63 lead heading into the final period.
With NU continuing to struggle from the field, the Fighting Maroons took control in the fourth quarter and stretched their advantage to double digits on a Camille Nolasco triple with a minute remaining.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“This win just really feels special talaga for us, especially since NU’s been one of the teams to beat talaga here in women’s basketball in the Philippines. We really wanted to win,” said Nolasco, who finished with 16 points on 4-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
Blessing Francis led all scorers with 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field, along with eight rebounds.
Louna Ozar delivered an all-around performance with 16 points, six assists, five rebounds, and five steals, while Ka added 10 points.
UP will next face defending champion University of Santo Tomas to close out the first round on Sunday, October 25, at 12:00 p.m. at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Tin Cayabyab led the Lady Bulldogs with 13 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Marga Villanueva contributed 11 points.
NU, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when it takes on De La Salle University on Saturday, October 24, at 12:00 p.m. at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Scores:
UP 82 – Francis 24, Ozar 16, Nolasco 16, Ka 10, Vingno 5, Abrams 4, Tapawan 2, Maw 2, Cunanan 2, Pesquera 1, Loon 0.
NU 71 – Cayabyab 13, Villanueva 11, Pingol 9, Solis 9, Betanio 7, Pagdulagan 7, Alba 6, Lapasaran 5, Garcia 4, Rosano 0, Alterado 0, Ico 0.
Quarterscores: 16-21, 46-42, 69-63, 82-71.
