To arrange a Finals rubber match with unbeaten UST, defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs must overcome a confident Ateneo in the UAAP women’s basketball stepladder semifinals.
Defending champion NU aims for an 11th consecutive UAAP women’s basketball Finals appearance in crossing paths with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in a win-or-go-home clash on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tipoff is 10:30 a.m., with the game also available on the Pilipinas Live.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | UAAP Season 88 basketball guide, where to watch, highlights, more]
After a 10-day break, the Lady Bulldogs are eager to shake off rust and maintain their dominance over the Blue Eagles this season.
National U handily defeated Ateneo twice in the eliminations, winning by an average of 13 points, to finish with a 12-2 record and claim the second seed for the stepladder semifinals.
Presumptive MVP Karl Ann Pingol will be counted on to set the tone, supported by NU’s reliable core of Angel Surada, Tin Cayabyab, and Aloha Betanio.
[ALSO READ: NU’s Karl Ann Pingol on track to deny Kacey Dela Rosa’s MVP three-peat bid in UAAP women’s]
If NU beats Ateneo, it sets up a rubber match with UST after the two teams split their past two Finals meetings.
The Growling Tigresses won the Season 86 title, but the Lady Bulldogs returned the favor a year later.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
—
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]