National U a win from cage crown

NEWLY minted back-to-back MVP Afril Bernardino topscored with 17 points and hauled down 18 rebounds as National University moved on the cusp of a second straight perfect season with a 91-59 drubbing of Ateneo in the UAAP Season 78 women’s Finals opener at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The Lady Bulldogs led by as much as 38 points to extend their winning streak to 38 games.

Game 2 will be announced later.

Katrina Guytingco shot 14 points while Danica Jose, a member of the UAAP Mythical Team, added 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Lady Eagles.

The loss ended Ateneo’s five-game winning streak since the elimination round. The Lady Eagles advanced to the finals after rising from No. 4 in the playoffs.

The scores:

NU 91—Bernardino 17, Paig 16, Gupilan 14, Miranda 9, Tongco 6, Itesi 6, Antiquera 5, Nabalan 4, Harada 4, Sison 3, Riel 3, Animam 2, Del Carmen 2, Abriam 0, Reyes 0, Layug 0.

ATENEO 59—Guytingco 14, Jose 13, Aseron 9, Go 7, Yam 6, Deacon 4, Tomita 3, Buendia 2, Javier 1, Nitorreda 0.

Quarters: 21-10, 43-20, 65-36, 91-59