UAAP: NU women end first round with slim win over La Salle

MANILA — National University fended off De La Salle University, 75-71, for a strong end to the first round of the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Lady Bulldogs improved to 5-2 and rose to solo second, bouncing back from a tough 81-72 defeat to University of the Philippines last Wednesday.

Cielo Pagdulangan paced NU with 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals, followed by Karl Ann Pingol, who tallied 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, and five steals. Tin Cayabyab added 10 points and seven rebounds.

The NU Lady Bulldogs in their game against La Salle in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament, October 24, 2026 at the Blue Eagle Gym. UAAP MediaNigerian foreign student-athlete Bukky Ojo led La Salle with a double-double of 29 points and 15 rebounds, while Kyla Go chipped in 21 points and five assists.

The Lady Bulldogs found themselves trailing early as Ojo converted both free throws to give the Lady Archers a 19-6 advantage in the first quarter.

NU responded with a 21-7 run that carried into the second period, capped by Pingol’s and-one conversion to reclaim the lead, 27-26.

However, the Lady Bulldogs struggled to contain Ojo, who erupted for 23 points in the first half. Back-to-back baskets from Go helped DLSU restore a nine-point cushion at halftime, 43-34.

NU rediscovered its rhythm in the third quarter, unleashing a 21-3 run capped by Cayabyab’s three-pointer to seize a 55-46 lead.

La Salle refused to back down, responding with an 11-2 run highlighted by Go’s three-pointers to knot the game at 57-all heading into the final period.

The Lady Archers last held the lead at 62-60 with eight minutes remaining before Pagdulangan and Pingol knocked down timely triples to put NU ahead by six, 69-63, with just over three minutes left.

Cayabyab later buried a two-point jumper to cap the surge and extend the Lady Bulldogs’ lead to 75-63, completing a decisive 15-1 run.

La Salle made one last push, but time was not on its side as NU held on for the victory.

“It’s really a struggle for us in the paint, especially playing teams with [foreign-student athletes]. We’re small compared to other teams talaga, so sabi ko lang sa kanila to keep working,” NU head coach DA Olan said. “I commend our bigs na nagpalitan i-defend yung FSA ng La Salle.”

La Salle finished the opening round with one win against six losses.

NU 75 – Pagdulangan 18, Pingol 14, Cayabyab 10, Betanio 9, Villanueva 8, Alba 6, Garcia 4, Lapasaran 3, Solis 3, Rosano 0, Alterado 0.

DLSU 71 – Ojo 29, Go 21, Villapando 6, Bacierto 5, Lubrico 5, Dizon 4, Anastacio 1, Sunga 0, Villarin 0.

Quarterscores: 14-19, 34-43, 57-57, 75-71.