NU Lady Bulldogs edge La Salle, record 13th consecutive win

National University bewildered De La Salle University, 72-63, marking its 13th straight victory in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, November 13, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP MEDIA
Keanna Wren

National University bewildered De La Salle University, 72-63, marking its 13th straight victory in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, November 13, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Lady Bulldogs forced a 20-all deadlock after falling behind as many as eight points in the first period. With a 13-4 run, led by seven baskets in a row by rookie Cielo Pagdulagan, easily gave La Salle a 33-24 advantage at the half.

In the third period, the Lady Bulldogs further increased their lead to 15 points, 56-41. 

Camille Clarin’s late triple and Ann Pingol’s inside hit put NU ahead, 63-47, in the final period, and never looked back to secure its 13th consecutive victory and replicate its 64-49 victory over La Salle in the first round on September 8.

“It’s a welcome development again for us that somehow, today, our bench has more points than the other school,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Aris Dimaunahan.

"Because in our last three games, our bench lost in scoring. We're happy today that we finally got what we wanted from the bench,” he added.

Pagdulagan led the Lady Bulldogs with 11 points, three rebounds, and one block. Aloha Betanio had an overall strong performance, tallying nine markers, five boards, and five dimes.

Gypsy Canuto recorded nine points, two rebounds, and two steals, while Tin Cayabyab supplemented nine markers, six boards, two dimes, and one deflection.

The Lady Bulldogs will battle the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Saturday, November 23, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, hoping to accomplish the elusive elimination round sweep.

The Scores:

NU (72) - Pagdulagan 11, Betanio 9, Canuto 9, Cayabyab 9, Clarin 8, Surada 7, Pingol 6, Konateh 3, Fabruada 3, Villanueva 3, Solis 2, Ico 2, Pring 0, Alterado 0, Garcia 0, Talas 0.

DLSU (63) - San Juan 19, Sario 14, Sunga 12, Mendoza 6, Bacierto 4, Paraiso 4, Binaohan 2, Dalisay 2, Dela Paz 0.

Quarter Scores: 9-15, 33-24, 56-41, 72-63.