The NU Lady Bulldogs look to close out the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball Finals as they face the UST Growling Tigresses in a high-stakes Game 2 showdown.
National University needs one more win to continue its UAAP dynasty as it aims to close out the Season 88 women’s basketball Finals against the University of Santo Tomas in Game 2 of the best-of-three series on Wednesday, December 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Bulldogs stunned the outright finalists in Game 1, 84–79, handing the Growling Tigresses their first loss of the season and flipping the script after two elimination-round defeats.
A crucial storyline for NU heading into Game 2 is the expected bounce-back of Karl Ann Pingol, the presumptive MVP who ran into foul trouble in the series opener.
Despite limited minutes, Pingol’s presence was still felt defensively and in NU’s halfcourt sets — and her return to full rhythm will be a major boost as the Lady Bulldogs try to clinch a ninth championship in 10 seasons.
With Pingol forced to sit for long stretches, NU leaned heavily on its depth. Graduating star Angel Surada delivered a monster performance with 19 points, seven rebounds, five steals, three assists, and a block.
[ALSO READ: Angel Surada out to make most of last UAAP games with NU Lady Bulldogs]
Marga Villanueva iced the game with back-to-back triples in the fourth, finishing with 17, while Tin Cayabyab added 11 points and steady playmaking in crunch time.
But the biggest swing came from NU’s unsung heroes. Bonie Solis and Xyza Pring provided the spark the Lady Bulldogs needed, combining for 20 points and delivering timely baskets just when UST grabbed momentum.
[ALSO READ: NU's bench mob proves crucial as Lady Bulldogs take Game 1 of the Finals vs UST]
Their production allowed NU to weather UST’s furious 16–2 third-quarter run and respond with composure in the final minutes.
With NU holding a 1–0 series lead, the Lady Bulldogs are determined to finish strong and avoid giving UST any momentum, ready to bring the trophy back to Sampaloc.
Game 2 tips off at 1:00 p.m.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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[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.]