By: Joaquin Cortez
National University unleashed a second-half surge to take care of business against the University of the East, 76-63, and return to the winning column in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
After falling to reigning champions University of Santo Tomas last Saturday, the Lady Bulldogs bounced back to improve to 3-1, while the Lady Warriors remained winless at 0-4.
Tin Cayabyab led NU with 17 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Marga Villanueva also poured in 17 points, knocking down all five of her attempts from beyond the arc.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Nung second half, we just probably addressed ‘yung lack of energy namin, especially on defense. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, ‘Parang wala tayong gana, parang hindi tayo galing sa talo.’ ‘Yung sense of urgency, parang walang-wala nung second half,” said NU head coach D.A. Olan, reflecting on his team’s second-half turnaround.
“Good thing, na-turnaround naman namin nung second half … I told them na ‘We cannot play like that.’ We cannot play with specific times sa game. We have to play with our best effort every time from the start all the way to finish,” he added.
UE gave NU an early scare, taking a 23-16 lead in the second quarter.
The Lady Bulldogs gradually chipped away at the deficit before closing the first half with a 5-0 run capped by Zaydhen Rosano’s fastbreak layup, allowing them to take a slim 40-38 advantage into the break.
NU found its rhythm after halftime, limiting UE to just seven points in the third quarter. Villanueva further widened the gap by draining a three-pointer to give the Lady Bulldogs a 57-47 lead heading into the final frame.
NU then pulled away in the fourth quarter, with Cayabyab converting a layup to extend the lead to 71-49 with six minutes remaining, putting the game out of reach and sealing the bounce-back victory.
“Sobrang sama ng pinakita namin nung first half. Wala kaming ginawa, wala kaming inisip kundi bumawi talaga at ipakita namin kung ano ang larong NU po talaga. So, mas nag-compose pa po kami,” Villanueva said.
Cielo Pagdulangan was the other Lady Bulldog to finish in double figures, contributing 10 points and four rebounds.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Kezza Buscar paced UE with 18 points, three assists, and three steals, while Rachel Lacayanga added 17 points and seven rebounds. Moana Vacalares chipped in a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Lady Warriors.
NU will look to sustain its momentum when it faces Far Eastern University on Sunday, October 18, at 10 a.m. at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Meanwhile, UE will continue its search for a breakthrough win against the University of the Philippines on Saturday, October 17, at 10 a.m. at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Scores:
NU 76 – Cayabyab 17, Villanueva 17, Pagdulagan 10, Pingol 9, Betanio 8, Lapasaran 5, Alterado 3, Rosano 2, Solis 2, Garcia 2, Alba 1, Tacastacas 0, Ico 0.
UE 63 – Buscar 18, Lacayanga 17, Vacalares 14, Oñate 5, Lumibao 4, Guillim 3, Sajol 2, Ramos 0, Cruz 0, Ronquillo 0, Dublar 0, Dalguntas 0.
Quarterscores: 16-21, 41-38, 59-47, 76-63.
