National University overpowered Adamson University, 86-58, for its 73rd straight win – matching the record in all sports Wednesday in the UAAP Season 81 women’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coach Pat Aquino’s players were in business-like mode after the five-peat seeking Lady Bulldogs equaled the Lady Falcons’ softball winning streak that lasted from January 2010 to March 2016.
“My mindset is to win this game. Let’s forget the streak. Let’s forget 73-0. Let’s forget 9-0. It’s just a game that we have to play,” said Aquino.
“The pressure is already mounting. I told my players to let’s just go out and play our game,” he added.
NU, which has not tasted defeat since losing to De La Salle in the championship decider on Oct. 5, 2013, aims to set a new league mark of 74 games against University of Santo Tomas at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Congo’s Rhena Itesi had 23 points, 14 rebounds and two assists while reigning MVP Jack Danielle Animam, Ria Nabalan and Jeanne Camelo each scored 12 markers for the Lady Bulldogs.
Sai Larosa had 35 points and 14 boards while Congo’s Grace Irebu chipped in 20 markers and 17 rebounds as UST made quick work of winless University of the Philippines, 103-58 for its third straight win and tie with FEU at 6-3 in second place.
The Lady Falcons dropped at 5-4 alongside the Lady Archers in fourth spot.