MANILA, Philippines–Perfection achieved.
National University completed an 80-game winning romp en route to its fifth straight title after cruising past Far Eastern University, 67-61, for the UAAP Season 81 women’s basketball title Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Bulldogs completed a 16-0 sweep of the tournament making 2018 the fifth straight year they’ve gone undefeated.
“What can I say, it’s amazing. Winning a few championships and going 80-0 is amazing, and I’m happy to be part of it,” said NU head coach Pat Aquino who owns all five of the Lady Bulldogs’ titles.
“FEU deserved to be here, that team brought out the best out of us. Our goal really is not the sweep but to get the championship and the 80 wins and the 16-0 are just bonuses for us.”
NU and FEU were locked in a virtual back-and-forth in the first quarter with the Lady Bulldogs holding a slim 18-16 lead at the end of the period.
The Lady Bulldogs then got rolling in the second period outscoring the Lady Tamaraws 23-9 to build a 41-25 lead heading into the break.
“We got five, I got my fourth and it’s just so euphoric that all our sacrifices paid off,” said Finals MVP Jack Daniel Animam in Filipino. “We’re in cloud nine with this 80-0 and as coach said it’s amazing.”
Rhena Itesi led NU’s offense with 17 points and 10 rebounds while Animam had 15 points, 21 rebounds, and four blocks.
Ria Nabalan who was with NU for all five of its titles, added 11 points.
Fatima Quiapo led the Lady Tamaraws with 15 points and 10 boards.