By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today (Mall of Asia Arena)
8 a.m. – UST vs UP
10 a.m. – Adamson vs La Salle
Three-time defending champion National University lost its coach down the stretch, but not its killer mentality.
With Congolese center Rhena Itesi taking charge just in time, the Lady Bulldogs bucked the ejection of tactician Pat Aquino and repeated over the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 60-49, to sustain their winning drive in the UAAP Season 80 women’s basketball tourney at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 6-foot-4 Itesi pumped in 17 points and 13 rebounds while sparking NU’s telling nine-to-nothing run that enabled them to overcome the abrupt exit of Aquino due to a pair of technical fouls and foil the upset-conscious Ateneo.
Veteran guard Ria Nabalan dished out an all-around showing of 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and as many steals as the Lady Bulldogs sealed the first Final Four spot and racked up their 11th straight win – and 59th overall since 2014.
“They just have to believe in themselves. The game is a good way to gain experience. It was really physical and at least the girls gained an idea how to finish strong in close games,” said Aquino, who also expressed his regret over his stunning ejection for continuous complaining at the 3:38 mark of the final period.
Earlier, Love Sto. Domingo put on a monster ’20-20’ performance as University of the East outlasted host Far Eastern University in overtime, 63-61.
Sto. Domingo tallied game-highs of 26 points and 23 rebounds while Eunique Chan also had her double-double showing of 11 points and 10 rebounds to help the Lady Warriors overcome the Lady Tamaraws in a tightly-contested match.
“I’m very thankful to LJ kasi binuhat niya talaga ang team ngayon. Sabi ko kailangan ng team ng isang leader sa loob para ma-boost ang morale ng mga teammates mo,” said UE coach Aileen Lebornio.
Valerie Mamaril had 16 points while Precious Arellado and Princess Jumuad combined for 26 points but FEU still came up short and remained at fourth spot with a 5-6 mark.
