UAAP: NU women cruise past Ateneo to stay in second place

MANILA — National University pulled away for an 84-60 win against Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday that kept them in second place in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament.

The Lady Bulldogs improved to 6-2, boosting their bid for a place in the Final 4. 

“We told them na itong second round, second chances. So if we can do a lot better than the first round, hopefully, we can turn things around. Very crucial na we start this second round with a really good game,” said head coach Da Olan.

Ateneo, meanwhile, dropped to 3-5 in sixth place, remaining outside the top four.

After a slow start, NU came alive in the second quarter, with its bench providing steady contributions as the Lady Bulldogs built a 21-point lead before halftime.

The Blue Eagles, however, managed to chip away at the deficit in the third quarter, stringing together several runs. Alyssa Rodriguez capped the rally with a triple to cut the lead to 55-43 with three minutes remaining in the period.

The Lady Bulldogs quickly responded, capitalizing on MVP frontrunner Kacey Dela Rosa’s time on the bench to widen the gap to 74-52 midway through the fourth quarter with timely three-pointers.

Tin Cayabyab led the Lady Bulldogs with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

Lapasaran followed with 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Ann Pingol chipped in 14 points, six rebounds, three steals, and three assists.

Dela Rosa posted a double-double of 25 points and 16 rebounds to go with three blocks and two steels to lead Ateneo in the losing effort, while Kai Oani added 12 points, three assists, and two steals.

NU 84 – Cayabyab 17, Lapasaran 16, Pingol 14, Solis 9, Villanueva 8, Betanio 7, Pagdulagan 7, Alba 2, Rosano 2, Alterado 2, Garcia 0.

Ateneo 60 – Dela Rosa 25, Oani 12, Calago 9, Rodriguez 6, Potter 4, Udal 4, Cruza 0, Cancio 0, H. Lopez 0, De Luna 0, L. Lopez 0.

Quarterscores: 20-14, 46-27, 64-48, 84-60.