National University moved on the cusp of completing another perfect season with a 71-59 romp of Far Eastern University yesterday in the UAAP women’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Bulldogs demonstrated the form they swept the elims by going full throttle in the second quarter which proved just enough to disarm the Lady Tamaraws.
“We were just glad and happy na we won the game. Marami pa kaming kailangang adjustments. Siguro, medyo naging rusty kami, at first. We were being away from competitive basketball for almost two weeks. Well I’m just happy that Jack (Danielle Animam) came out and played,” said NU coach Pat Aquino.
Animam had 19 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, five assists and two blocks to power the mighty Lady Bulldogs.
Extending its undefeated streak to 79 games, NU shoots for its fifth consecutive crown in Game 2 slated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Congo’s Rhena Itesi, the Lady Bulldogs’ other frontliner, chipped in 13 points and six boards while reserve Jeanne Camelo had 11 points and four rebounds.
Clare Castro came through with 15 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks to lead the Lady Tamaraws, who are making their first title round appearance in four years.
NU (71) – Animam 19, Itesi 13, Camelo 11, Nabalan 8, Fabruada 5, Del Carmen 4, Pingol 3, Cacho 2, Cac 2, Layug 2, Goto 2, Canuto 0, Harada 0, Ceño 0, Bartolo 0.
FEU (59) – Castro 15, Taguiam 11, Bahuyan 10, Mamaril 7, Quiapo 6, Adriano 6, Antiola 4, Vidal 0, Bastatas 0, Payadon 0, Dugay 0, Rebleza 0.
Quarterscores: 22-13, 37-23, 58-38, 71-59
