MANILA, Philippines—National University rolled to their 85th straight win, ripping University of the Philippines, 105-53, in the UAAP Season 82 women’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
NU flexed its depth anew with Jack Animam leading the way with 16 points and 12 rebounds in just 18 minutes of play while Rhena Itesi added a near double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds in 16 minutes.
“I told them earlier that those people that are having less playing time have to show up. It’s in preparation for something better for the next few games,” said NU head coach Pat Aquino, whose squad improved to 5-0 this season.
“They need to have that feeling that they know how to win and play the game will make us more prepared for the grind of the season.”
That’s just what the Lady Bulldogs’ second and third stringers did.
No one stepped up more than Melody Cac, who scored 13 points built on a pair of 3-pointers.
“She’s been always there. Sa akin lang is nawawala lang yung opportunity niya because of our depth,” Aquino said about the 20-year-old guard. “I just told her to be patient. She’ll probably be one of our best players next year because she has that good stroke and she could play defense.”
Meanwhile, Adamson rose from 16 down to stun University of Santo Tomas, 88-86, at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Rose Ann Dampios capped the Lady Falcons’ comeback with the game-winning triple with 16 ticks to go. Dampios finished with 26 points on 6-of-15 shooting from downtown.
Adamson stretched its run to three games to climb to 4-1 while the Tigresses slid to 2-2.
NU put the game away in just the opening quarter then, shifted into high gear in the ensuing period where it limited UP to only five points for a 62-19 halftime lead.
In a total team effort, all 15 Lady Bulldogs scored in the game.
The Lady Maroons staggered to their 34th straight loss to drop to 0-4 this season. Rei Sanzhez paced UP with 21 points while Pesky Pesquera had 15 points and nine rebounds.