ROUND one goes to National University as it exacted revenge over rival University of Santo Tomas, 75-69, Saturday in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But the Lady Bulldogs almost let their redemption game slip out of their hands after losing grip of a 24-point lead, 61-37, and see it dwindle to just seven, 68-61, with 4:55 to play.
National U, however, showed poise down the stretch as rookie Cielo Pagdulagan sealed the deal with a layup with 2:22 left.
“We’re happy with the win, but there is a lot of work to be done moving forward sa season na ito. We must get better at protecting leads,” said coach Aris Dimaunahan after his side got one back after losing to the Growling Tigresses in last year’s finals.
Angel Surada stabilized the fort for the Lady Bulldogs with 11 points and 14 rebounds, as Camille Clarin had 14 points on 5-of-18 shooting, to go with five boards and four assists.
Gambian center Jainaba Konateh also collected 17 points and nine rebounds to help NU go up to 4-0.
UST succumbed to its first loss in four outings despite rookie Gin Relliquette’s 12 points.
Adamson soars higher
Meanwhile, Adamson continued to turn heads with a huge 77-72 comeback win over Ateneo.
The Lady Falcons crawled back from a 13-point deficit and showed great heart in staging the fightback to go up to 3-1.
It was Adamson’s first win over Ateneo since Season 81 when the Lady Falcons were still led by Mar Prado and reached the Final Four in 2019.
For coach Ryan Monteclaro, this win should be seen as a statement of sorts, noting, “It’s a testament that we can play and hang with the top teams. They are really buying in to what we achieve and what we want to accomplish.”
Kazel Mae Mazo played her biggest game to date, with the diminutive guard sparking the win with 11 points.
Elaine Etang top-scored for the Lady Falcons with 16 points and five boards, while Victoria Adeshina nabbed 13 points and five boards.
Ateneo (2-2) saw Junize Calago uncork 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, as reigning MVP Kacey dela Rosa was held to just 10 points after grabbing 18 boards.
The Scores:
First Game:
NU 75 – Konateh 17, Clarin 14, Surada 11, Pagdulagan 9, Pingol 9, Cayabyab 6, Fabruada 4, Betanio 3, Canuto 2, Solis 0, Talas 0.
UST 69 – Relliquette 12, Santos 11, Dionisio 10, Soriano 8, Pastrana 7, Bron 6, Maglupay 5, N. Danganan 5, Sierba 3, Ambos 2, Serrano 0, Pineda 0.
Quarters: 24-16, 41-30, 62-42, 75-69.
Second Game:
ADAMSON 77 – Etang 15, Adeshina 13, Mazo 11, E. Alaba 7, Agojo 7, Limbago 5, Apag 5, Meniano 5, Padilla 3, Ornopia 3, Manlimos 3, Bajo 0, Cortez 0, A. Alaba 0.
ATENEO 72 – Calago 25, Makanjoula 21, Dela Rosa 10, Oani 7, Villacruz 7, Batongbakal 2, Eufemanio 0, Cancio 0, Angala 0, Olivenza 0, Aguirre 0.
Quarters: 16-24, 29-37, 58-55, 77-72.
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