UAAP: NU women fend off Adamson rally, reclaim second

National University in action against Adamson University in UAAP Season 89. UAAP Media.MANILA — National University (NU) fended off Adamson University’s late comeback bid to secure an 84-77 victory and return to the win column in UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Following back-to-back losses, including a stunning reversal against De La Salle University last Sunday, the Lady Bulldogs bounced back to improve to 7-4 in the standings.

NU also reclaimed second place, moving ahead of the Lady Falcons, who slipped to third with a 7-5 record.

“Very crucial na talaga ‘to. We told the players this it’s playoff mode already. ‘Wag na natin antayin,” said head coach DA Olan.

Adamson kept pace with NU early in the second quarter before the Lady Bulldogs unleashed a decisive 19-3 run midway through the period to seize control of the game.

Trailing by as many as 25 points, 32-57, the Lady Falcons attempted to mount a comeback, leaning on a late fourth-quarter surge to trim the deficit to single digits.

However, their rally proved too little, too late as NU’s commanding advantage in the earlier stages proved too much to overcome.

“Again, we emphasized na we haven’t really secured the Final Four. ‘Yan ang goal namin now, and hopefully may advantage kaming makuha,” Olan added, after seeing the Lady Bulldogs’ double-digit lead dwindle in the final period.

Tin Cayabyab led NU with a game-high 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Ann Pingol contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, and four steals, while Marylene Solis chipped in 12 points.

The Lady Bulldogs will look to sustain their momentum when they face University of the East on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the same venue.

Elaine Etang matched Cayabyab’s game-high 17 points to lead Adamson’s five double-digit scorers.

Kemi Adeshina added 15 points, Kim Limbago finished with 13, while Cheska Apag and Nadine Muñoz chipped in 11 apiece.

The Lady Falcons, meanwhile, will seek to return to the win column when they take on the Lady Archers on Sunday at 10 a.m. at the same venue.

NU 84 -– Cayabyab 17, Pingol 13, Solis 12, Rosano 9, Pagdulagan 8, Villanueva 8, Alterado 6, Betanio 5, Lapasaran 4, Garcia 2, Tacastacas 0.

Adamson 77 -– Etang 17, Adeshina 15, Limbago 13, Apag 11, Muñoz 11, Bajo 4, Meniano 3, Alaba 2, Medina 1, Burgos 0, Mazo 0, Tano 0, Manlimos 0, Carcallas 0.

Quarterscores: 19-20, 50-30, 66-49, 84-77.