National U coach Pat Aquino swears University of Santo Tomas will be the Lady Bulldogs’ main threat in their bid to claim the UAAP Season 82 women’s basketball crown.
Sure didn’t look like it the way they manhandled the Growling Tigresses.
Led by the seemingly unstoppable Jack Animam, NU crushed UST, 90-48, at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday to extend its historic winning streak to 84 games.
The Season 80 MVP dominated the paint for the Lady Bulldogs with 19 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, to overwhelm the UST defense.
“I think [UST] will be our main rival,” Aquino said after the game. “UST is going to be a tough team to beat. They’re always there and they bring out the best in us. Maybe our girls were also challenged in this game.”
Animam completely outplayed reigning MVP Grace Irebu, who was limited to just 10 points and 11 rebounds as the Tigresses suffered their first loss in three games.
Animam helped NU to a 20-7 start and the Lady Bulldogs simply cruised from there, taking a 29-point edge by halftime, 50-21.
“I just told the girls to start stronger,” Aquino said.
Kaye Pingol added 15 points, six steals, three boards, and three assists, while Fil-Am forward Kelli Hayes chipped in 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists in the win.
NU led by as many as 47 points, 87-40, after a Mikka Cacho bucket with 2:06 remaining in the game.
Lon Rivera led the Tigresses with 11 points, but struggled with her shots, making just 3-of-13 from the field.