NU exacts revenge against La Salle, extends win streak to 13
National University avenged their last season loss over De La Salle University, 72-63, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, November 13, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Lady Bulldog’s victory turned out to be sweeter than usual as they finally banished the ghost of their past, avenging their devastating defeat in the hands of the Lady Archers at the same UST venue on November 23, 2022.
Far Eastern University is the lone team standing in the way of NU’s elimination round sweep.
If the Lady Bulldogs win, it will be their first since Season 82 in 2019, but it would be their seventh elimination round sweep in nine seasons.
"We're happy that what happened before didn't occur. Same venue, I just don't remember if it's the same jersey color, but I'm really happy because we weren't really making our shots from the outside," Lady Bulldogs head coach Aris Dimaunahan said.
"Every time we play here, we cannot find our mark in terms of shooting from beyond the arc, but there were times when we needed it the most, we shot," added the former Blackwater head coach as NU shot just 8-of -35 from deep.
The first period ended in a 20-all standstill after NU had fallen behind as much as eight points. It demolished La Salle with a 13-4 run, led by rookie Cielo Pagdulagan, who scored seven unanswered points, to establish a commanding 33-24 lead at the half.
The Lady Bulldog’s powerful 26-17 third quarter performance gave them the moment they needed to increase their lead to 15 points, 56-41.
Ann Pingol’s inside hit and Camille Clarin’s late triple gave NU a decisive 63-47 lead in the final frame, allowing them to secure their 13th straight win and repeat their 64-49 first-round victory over La Salle on September 8.
Pagdulagan led the Lady Bulldogs with 11 points, three rebounds, and one block, while Aloha Betanio scored nine markers, pulled down five boards, and dished out five dimes in an overall strong performance.
In addition to her nine points, Gypsy Canuto recorded two rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Tin Cayabyab also contributed nine markers, six boards, two dimes, and one deflection.
The Lady Bulldogs will face the FEU Lady Tamaraws in an attempt to achieve the coveted elimination round sweep.
The DLSU Lady Archers, who had won their previous two games, dropped to a 4-8 slate with one game remaining in their Season 87 campaign.
Luisa San Juan top scored for La Salle with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Lee Sario finished with 14 markers, four boards, three deflections, and two assists.
In addition to Kyla Sunga’s 12 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal, Patricia Mendoza added six markers, seven boards, and one dime.
The Lady Archers will square off with the UST Growling Tigresses, the reigning Season 86 champions, in an attempt to close out the season on a high note.
The Scores:
NU (72) - Pagdulagan 11, Betanio 9, Canuto 9, Cayabyab 9, Clarin 8, Surada 7, Pingol 6, Konateh 3, Fabruada 3, Villanueva 3, Solis 2, Ico 2, Pring 0, Alterado 0, Garcia 0, Talas 0.
DLSU (63) - San Juan 19, Sario 14, Sunga 12, Mendoza 6, Bacierto 4, Paraiso 4, Binaohan 2, Dalisay 2, Dela Paz 0.
Quarter Scores: 9-15, 33-24, 56-41, 72-63.
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