Clarin, NU Lady Bulldogs escape UP, improve record to 10-0
National University defeated University of the Philippines, 64-59, after a thrilling comeback spearheaded by Camille Clarin, who nailed a clutch three-pointer in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Tournament, Sunday night, November 3, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Despite having just three points going into the fourth quarter, Clarin scored 13 points in the last quarter including draining four three-pointers and a free throw to overcome the Lady Bulldogs from a 44-48 deficit.
The veteran guard produced 16 points to go along with five assists and four rebounds for an all-around performance.
“It was a timely hit by CC late in the fourth. Credit to her because she made four three-point shots in the game. Her first seven attempts failed, but she didn’t lose focus or confidence to take the shot when it mattered the most,” said NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan.
Clarin coordinated a 16-2 run with teammates Maymay Canuto, Tin Cayabyab, Angel Surada, and Jainaba Konateh to put the Lady Bulldogs ahead, 60-50, with 5:41 remaining.
However, the Fighting Maroons did not falter as Kaye Pesquera of UP answered with a 9-0 blast on her own to inch within one, 59-60.
After a series of missed baskets, Clarin drained another three-pointer of the quarter to propel NU to a 63-59 advantage.
The Lady Bulldogs will aim to keep their record flawless as they face UAAP Season 86 defending champion University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday, November 6, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Ann Pingol also supplemented 14 markers, while Cielo Pagdulagan and Surada contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Lady Bulldogs.
Pesquera was the lone Fighting Maroon in double digits with 16 markers as UP dropped their record to 3-8, in a risk of missing a spot in the Final 4.
The Fighting Maroons will attempt to keep their slim hopes alive when they get to play against De La Salle University on Sunday, November 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
NU 64 – Clarin 16, Pingol 14, Pagdulagan 11, Surada 10, Cayabyab 7, Konateh 4, Canuto 1, Betanio 1, Fabruada 0, Solis 0, Villanueva 0.
UP 59 – Pesquera 16, Ozar 9, Bariquit 6, Maw 6, Tapawan 4, Sauz 4, Nolasco 4, Vingno 3, Jimenez 3, Solitario 2, Lozada 2, Quinquinio 0, Barba 0.
Quarter Scores: 8-17, 25-29, 44-48, 64-59.
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The East Asia Super League (EASL) is officially set to raise the curtain on its new season with a twin opening in Taipei and Tokyo on October 8, 2025 — a move that reflects the league’s expanding reach and growing stature as Asia’s premier basketball competition.
All eyes in Taiwan will be on the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, which will host a blockbuster doubleheader featuring some of the region’s most decorated clubs.
The action tips off with a clash between the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex and the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves. Utsunomiya, led by veteran guard Makoto Hiejima, entered as one of Japan’s most successful franchises. The Braves, meanwhile, look to prove their resilience after falling short in a grueling seven-game finals series last season, banking on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.
The second game of the night brings a rematch between the P. LEAGUE+ champions Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings. Their last encounter came in the 2025 EASL Final Four semifinals, where Taoyuan stunned Ryukyu, 71–64. This time, the Golden Kings are eager for redemption, while the Pilots hope to reaffirm their place among Asia’s elite.
Game schedule (HKT):
- Utsunomiya vs. Taipei Fubon – 6:30 PM
- Taoyuan vs. Ryukyu – 8:30 PM
China came within a single basket of toppling Oceania powerhouse Australia in the FIBA Asia Cup final, bowing 90-89 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but sending a clear message that it remains a force in Asian basketball.
The Chinese squad, bannered by Hu Mingxuan and Hu Jinqiu, led by as many as 15 points through three quarters before faltering in the final minutes against the defending champions. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the performance was a reminder of China’s proud basketball heritage and its potential return to continental supremacy.
Gilas Pilipinas advanced to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after triumphing over host nation Saudi Arabia in a tense 95-88 overtime victory on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12 in Manila) at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Justin Brownlee once again showed his ‘Never Say Die’ attitude after drilling a contested three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left to force the extra period. He went on to finish with 29 points, five assists, and four rebounds, paving the way for a quarterfinal showdown with two-time defending champion Australia on Wednesday, August 13.
Brownlee’s heroics set the stage for Kevin Quiambao, who buried two triples in OT to complete a 17-point performance alongside three dimes and three deflections.
"It was a special game, it was a special performance from both teams," said head coach Tim Cone. "They (Saudi Arabia) posed a lot of problems for us, and by all rights, they had the game won — except for the guy sitting to my right (Brownlee). If you know his history, that’s not unusual. He’s been hitting big shots."
AJ Edu anchored the middle with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Dwight Ramos chipped in 13 markers, 10 boards, three dimes, and a rejection.
Beyond Brownlee’s late-game magic, the Philippines secured the win by neutralizing Saudi Arabia’s high-scoring duo of Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem in the extra frame.
Abdur-Rahkman erupted for 33 points on 8-of-14 shooting from deep, while Alsuwailem tallied 26 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks — but the two combined for only five points in OT as Gilas closed the door on the hosts’ upset bid.
The Scores:
Philippines 95 – Brownlee 29, Edu 17, Quiambao 17, Ramos 13, Fajardo 6, Tamayo 5, Thompson 4, Newsome 4, Malonzo 0, Perez 0, Aguilar 0.
Saudi Arabia 88 – Abdur-Rahkman 33, Alsuwailem 26, Almuwallad 10, Abdel Gabar 8, Ma. Almarwani 4, Belal 3, Kadi 3, Mo. Almarwani 1, Shubayli 0.
Quarters: 25-15, 40-37, 60-59, 79-79 (reg.), 95-88 (OT).