BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
NATIONAL University clobbered University of Santo Tomas, 66-54, yesterday to capture its sixth straight UAAP women’s basketball crown via another 16-game sweep at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Bulldogs went to Monique del Carmel, Kaye Pingol and Rhena Itesi to claim the championship while extending their remarkable winning run to 96 games dating back to July 13, 2014.
NU won by an average margin of 31.8 points, though its streak was threatened twice by UST during the season.
After prevailing 74-70 over the Tigresses at the end of the eliminations, the Lady Bulldogs held on for a 70-65 victory against the same opponent in the best-of-three opener held last Wednesday.
“We’re just happy with everything, happy for the school and the players who have been here and done that, happy to be part of this,” said NU coach Pat Aquino.
Del Carmel, Pingol and Itesi made sure the Lady Bulldogs will win the title going away by leading as much as 24 points.
NU 66 – Pingol 15, Del Carmen 15, Itesi 12, Hayes 9, Cacho 7, Canuto 3, Clarin 3, Surada 2, Bartolo 0, Cac 0, Fabruada 0, Goto 0, Harada 0.
UST 54 – Ferrer 16, Irebu 11, Portillo 7, Soriano 6, Panti 5, Tacatac 4, Callangan 3, Rivera 2, Gandalla 0, Gonzales 0, Javier 0.
Quarters: 25-8; 36-23; 46-36; 66-54.
