NU Lady Bulldogs’ Camille Clarin during a UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball game against UST Tigresses. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—National University exacted revenge over its UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball Finals rival, University of Santo Tomas with a 75-69 win at Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
The Lady Bulldogs’ victory over the defending queens of the UAAP also made NU the lone undefeated squad in the women’s basketball derby with a 4-0 card.
However, coach Aris Dimaunahan urged NU to fix its lapses that almost allowed a comeback rally from the Growling Tigresses.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
“We’re happy with the win but there’s a lot of work to be done in moving forward with this season. We must get better at protecting leads,” said Dimaunahan.
“I thought it was learning [experience] again even though we got the win.”
Camille Clarin spearheaded NU to the victory with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. Angel Surada finished with a double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds.
READ: UAAP: Ateneo edges La Salle, UST stays perfect in women’s basketball
Gin Relliquette, UST’s rookie, finished with a team-high 12 points but to no avail as the Growling Tigresses crashed to a 3-1 win-loss record. Brigette Santos also shined in the loss with 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Adamson soars
Adamson Lady Falcons’ Elaine Etang celebrate with her team during a UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Meanwhile, Adamson zoomed past Ateneo, 77-72, behind Elaine Etang’s big afternoon.
The Lady Falcons relied on Etang’s 15-point and five-rebound game to improve to a 3-1 card and tie with the Growling Tigresses just behind the undefeated Lady Bulldogs.
“I just told them that if we really wanted to be part of that elusive Final Four, we have to play the whole game,” said coach Ryan Monteclaro.
Helping Etang live out Monteclaro’s ideal of playing a complete game was Victoria Adeshina, who finished with 13 points and five rebounds.
The Lady Eagles, who dropped to a 2-2 card, relied on Junize Calago who exploded for 25 points but to no avail. Sarah Makanjuola posted 21 to her name but it wasn’t enough to give Ateneo a winning end.