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| Aloha Betanio shouts to the heavens as NU finally dealt UST a loss this season. Joseph Sanvictores |
QUEZON CITY—The National University Lady Bulldogs opened the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Finals with an 84–79 win over the previously unbeaten UST Growling Tigresses on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
NU got off to a strong start, with a key three-pointer from Marylene Solis helping the Bulldogs build an early lead.
NU’s perimeter shooters, including Pring and Marga Villanueva, kept the team ahead, and the Bulldogs went into halftime leading 42–35.
UST came out firing in the third quarter, with Eka Soriano scoring several key baskets to keep the Tigresses close.
NU kept responding, trading points and holding a slim 61–60 lead heading into the fourth.
The final quarter was a back-and-forth battle.
Villanueva hit back-to-back three-pointers to give NU a 73–70 edge, while UST stayed in the game through Soriano and Kent Pastrana.
In the final minutes, Angel Surada scored crucial baskets and made free throws to secure the win, finishing with a team-high 19 points.
Villanueva added 17, while Soriano led UST with 20 points, and Pastrana added 15.
After the game, NU coach DA Olan said, “In the elimination round, we got swept by UST. We’re happy, finally, we’re able to win a game against them. What a time na here in the finals pa.”
Surada shared, “Unang una sa lahat gusto ko munang pasalamatan si God kasi hindi namin alam pano namin nakuha itong panalo talaga kasi sabi nga ni Coach DA sa eliminations malaki yung natatambak ni UST sa amin so God did.”
NU now leads the best-of-three series 1–0, while UST faces a must-win Game 2 to keep its season alive.
The Scores:
NU (84) – Surada 19, Villanueva 17, Cayabyab 11, Solis 11, Pring 9, D. Medina 6, Betanio 4, Pingol 3, Garcia 2, Alterado 2, Canindo 0.
UST (79) – Soriano 20, Pastrana 15, Sierba 14, Santos 11, Onianwa 10, Ambos 5, C. Danganan 4, Maglupay 0, Pineda 0, Pescador 0, Bron 0, Relliquette 0.
Quarterscores: 16-13, 42-35, 61-60, 84-79.
