UAAP: NU, UST, UP share early lead in women’s basketball

NU’s Camille Clarin.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University forced a triple tie on top of the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball tournament after dominating Far Eastern University, 95-58, on Wednesday at Adamson Gym.

Tin Cayabyab led the balanced attack of the Lady Bulldogs with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Camille Clarin hit three triples to finish with 15 points, while Princess Fabruada and Ann Pingol added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

“We always believe that NU women’s basketball was and is all about defense. That’s been our bread and butter since Coach Pat (Aquino). I thought today, we did well in following the game plan,” said NU coach Aris Dimaunahan after taking the early 2-0 league lead.

Dimaunahan, however, lamented that they failed to stop FEU’s Congolese center Josee Kaputu, who dropped 27 points and 11 rebounds.

“The only thing that we failed on is to contain their foreign player. It’s always nice to see student-athletes like her play in our league. But then again, we took care of the other guys,” said Dimaunahan.

University of the Philippines also earned its second win after beating the winless University of the East, 66-48 victory, behind the efforts of Marielle Vingno and Christie Bariquit, who led the way with 13 and 12 points, respectively. 

UP will have prized recruit Louna Ozar from her Gilas Pilipinas Women stint in the Asian Games on Sunday as it battles NU on Sunday at University Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.

“Come Sunday against NU, we are hoping for the best that all we have practiced on, we will be able to execute against them,” said Fighting Maroons coach Paul Ramos. “As we speak, Louna is arriving. We are hoping that she can adjust by Sunday and settle down.”

Kent Pastrana delivered 28 points, four assists, and three steals as UST spoiled Adamson’s first-ever hosting of a UAAP women’s basketball game in nine years with an 84-65 rout.

The Growling Tigresses, who also rose to a 2-0 record, also leaned on Tantoy Ferrer’s 12 points and seven rebounds, while Tacky  Tacatac and Rachelle Ambos had 12 and 10 points, respectively.

“Of course, we were expecting these types of performances from Kent. Even when she was in Silay, I knew she was special. It was God’s will to bring her to UST,” said UST coach Haydee Ong.

“We wanted to improve every game. We can’t take away the effort of Adamson from the first half until the end; they never gave up. I hope we can get better every game. There are players who we are waiting to step up,” she added.

Meanwhile, Ateneo earned its first win after frustrating runner-up La Salle in overtime, 87-80, after Jhazmin Joson took charge in overtime and finished with 11 points.

“It’s our first win for the season. We didn’t win against La Salle last year, and Jhaz and I remember that very well,” said Blue Eagles coach LA Mumar. “Our girls are still immature. We had the game won already, but I’m just so happy that the fighting heart was there in overtime. We could have easily folded up, but the girls fought back.”

Junize Calago showed the way for Ateneo with 22 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Kacey dela Rosa dropped 13 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks, while Sarah Makanjuola added 14 points and 16 rebounds.

The Lady Archers slid to 0-2 amid Luisa San Juan’s 29-point explosion.