NU dominates UST, extends win record to 11-0
National University extended its winning run to 11 games as they toppled defending champion University of Santo Tomas, 76-70, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, November 6, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“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.”
A three-pointer from Karylle Sierba briefly gave the Growling Tigresses a two-point advantage in the third period, 59-57, before NU countered with 13 unanswered baskets.
An inside shot courtesy of Cielo Pagdulangan in the final quarter gave the Lady Bulldogs an 11-point lead, 70-59, with less than 7:30 remaining on the clock.
Tacky Tacatac’s layup reduced UST’s deficit to seven, 74-67, but baskets from Angel Surada and a crucial turnover by Bridget Santos sealed NU’s 11th uninterrupted victory.
Camille Clarine paced the Lady Bulldogs with 21 points to go along with seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block, while Pagdulagan delivered 17 markers, six boards, two dimes, and one rejection.
Ann Pingol added 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks with Surada also contributing eight markers, six boards, one dime, and one rejection.
The Lady Bulldogs will aim to keep their record flawless as they face Adamson University on Sunday, November 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meanwhile, Tacatac scored 21 points, three assists, and two steals as UST remained in solo second place with a 9-2 record.
UAAP Season 86 Athlete of the Year Kent Pastrana chipped in 14 markers, six boards, five dimes, one rejection, and one deflection in the losing effort.
Santos tallied an all-around statline with eight points, six assists, five steals, four rebounds, and two blocks.
UST will look to get back on their winning ways when they battle University of the East on Saturday, November 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as well.
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.
Quarter Scores: 23-19, 44-40, 61-59, 76-70.
