NATIONAL U locked down Ateneo in the third quarter to run away with a 69-47 victory and keep up its six-game win streak in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament Sunday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Angel Surada keyed the Lady Bulldogs' pullaway, as she had 11 of the teams' 21 steals, most of which came in the third where the Blue Eagles were held to just four points, while the defending champs raced to a 48-36 lead that then ballooned to as high as 23.
The senior NU forward was just a rebound short of a triple-double, racking up 22 points, 11 steals, and nine boards in the victory to move up to 7-1.
“Very happy and satisfied kami with how we defended,” said coach DA Olan, as his side remained at solo second-place. "Yun yung good thing na nangyari sa amin at nagpanalo sa amin for the past few seasons. It’s really just continuing what we’re good at, which is yung depensa namin."
Tin Cayabyab came off the bench with 11 points, three assists, and three steals; Marga Villanueva chimed in 11 points, three boards, two assists, and one steal; and Aloha Betanio shook off an early injury scare for nine points built on three triples, alongside six rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Two-time UAAP MVP Kacey dela Rosa led Ateneo with 18 points, 15 rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and one assist, as they sorely missed the services of suspended big Sarah Makanjuola.
The Blue Eagles dropped to 5-3, losing three of their last four.
The Scores:
NU 69 - Surada 22, Cayabyab 11, Villanueva 11, Betanio 9, Solis 8, Pingol 2, Canindo 2, Ico 2, Pring 1, Garcia 1, D. Medina 0, S. Medina 0, Alterado 0.
ATENEO 47 - Dela Rosa 18, Malagar 8, Cancio 6, Villacruz 4, Cruza 3, De Luna 2, Lopez 2, Olivenza 2, Oani 1, Chan 1, Batongbakal 0, Lopez 0, Fetalvero 0.
Quarters: 13-10, 36-32, 48-36, 69-47.
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