NU outscores UP, improves to 3-0 record
The National University Lady Bulldogs powered its way to a 76-44 victory after clamping the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball tournament on Wednesday, September 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Bulldogs unleashed a strong third quarter after settling for a tied 41 points at the half-time break, tallying 16 unanswered points for a 62-43 cushion heading into the final frame.
The Lady Maroons endured the scoring drought and just managed to basket two points from the free-throw line courtesy of Alex Mendoza and Achrissa Maw.
“We never look at the past things already. We move forward and we play UST in the next couple of days, we prepare for them and no emotions. It’s just playing the same basketball that has to be played the right way,” said NU coach Aris Dimaunahan.
"This game was a game of runs. Luckily, in our third quarter, we stepped on the gas, we clamped down on defense after the halftime break.”
Pringle Fabruada led the offense with 16 points and five rebounds for the Lady Bulldogs. Aloha Betanio contributed 13 markers, four boards, and four steals, while Jainaba Konateh scored 12, six rebounds, and a deflection.
The UP Lady Maroons, meanwhile, were paced by Christie Bariquit with 14 points, in which 13 of those came in the first half. Maw posted 12 markers, three rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, while Kaye Pesquera chipped in 10 along with seven boards in the losing cause.
NU’s victory arranged them a highly-anticipated duel with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses on Saturday, September 21, at the Big Dome.
On the other hand, UP will aim for a bounce back performance on Sunday, September 22, when they lock horns with Far Eastern University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
NU 76 - Fabruada 16, Betanio 13, Konateh 12, Pingol 9, Cayabyab 7, Surada 6, Canuto 5, Pagdulangan 4, Clarin 2, Solis 1, Ico 1, Talas 0, Pring 0, Alterado 0.
UP 64 - Bariquit 14, Maw 12, Pesquera 10, Barba 6, Ozar 5, Mendoza 5, Nolasco 4, Jimenez 3, Solitario 3, Vingno 2, Tapawan 0, Lozada 0, Sauz 0, Quinquinio 0.
Quarterscores: 25-12, 41-41, 62-43, 76-64.
