Defending champion National University cruised past Adamson University, 69-51, to claim its second consecutive victory in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Riding the momentum from a dominant 95-58 triumph over the UP Fighting Maroons last Saturday, the Lady Bulldogs imposed their will from the opening tip.
Ann Pingol and Tin Cayabyab spearheaded NU’s attack, helping the team build a 20-point, 43-23 lead by halftime — a deficit the Lady Falcons struggled to overcome.
At the midway point of the first round, the win propelled NU to solo third place in the eight-team field with an impressive 3-1 record.
“We’re happy with the win, but probably this is not our best game,” said head coach DA Olan, as the Lady Bulldogs were outrebounded by Adamson, 43-56.
"There’s still lots of room for improvement, especially for some games now, we’re not able to control the boards, especially for this game. Medyo nag-struggle kami again, kaya hindi rin namin masyado na-control yung game from start to finish," the first year head coach added.
Eager to climb out of a deep hole, the Lady Falcons relied on key baskets from Elaine Etang and Nigerian center Kem Adeshina in the third quarter, cutting the gap to 50-37.
However, back-to-back triples by Marga Villanueva restored NU’s 19-point advantage at 56-37 with a minute left in the third period.
Adamson fought back once more as early baskets from Adeshina and Angela Alaba narrowed the deficit to 56-46.
But NU’s strong start proved insurmountable, as three consecutive triples from Aloha Betanio, Marylene Solis, and Cayabyab extended the lead to 65-47 with 3:45 remaining.
Pingol led the Lady Bulldogs with an all-around performance: 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting, 11 rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and two blocks, while Cayabyab added 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Villanueva contributed 11 points on three triples with two rebounds, and Betanio and Solis chipped in seven points each.
NU will look to make it three straight wins when it faces De La Salle University on Sunday, October 12, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
After achieving a breakthrough victory against the FEU Lady Tamaraws last Sunday, Adamson received a tough reality check, dropping to sixth place with a 1-3 record.
Etang led the Lady Falcons with 13 points, five rebounds, four steals, and two assists, while Cheska Apag added 10 points, three rebounds, two steals, and one assist.
Adamson aims to bounce back against a winless University of the East team this Saturday, October 11, at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
The Scores:
NU 69 - Pingol 17, Cayabyab 13, Villanueva 11, Betanio 7, Solis 7, Pring 5, D. Medina 5, Surada 2, Canindo 2, S. Medina 0, Garcia 0, Alterado 0.
AdU 51 - Etang 13, Apag 10, Adeshina 7, Bajo 6, Limbago 5, A. Alaba 4, Meniano 2, Carcallas 2, Munoz 2, Ornopia 0, Agojo 0, Padiilla 0, Mazo 0, E. Alaba 0, Manlimos 0, Cortez 0.
Quarterscores: 20-11, 43-23, 56-44, 69-51.