UAAP: NU Lady Bulldogs pick up where they left off, post 97th straight win

NU’s Camille Clarin. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Despite coming off a three-year hiatus, the six-time defending champion National University hardly missed a beat as it demolished University of the East, 131-47, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Camille Clarin shot four-of-six from the three-point line to finish with 22 points to deliver the Lady Bulldogs’ 97th straight victory, dating back to 2014.

“It was a statement to the UAAP that we’re back. New coach, new players, but we still have the same culture and same goals,” said Clarin, who also had seven rebounds and four assists.

NU’s new head coach Aris Dimaunahan, who replaced the longtime coach Pat Aquino, made a record-breaking debut with the most points scored in the league’s women’s basketball history since the computerization of stats, surpassing University of Santo Tomas’ 129 points against University of the Philippines on September 22, 2018.

It was also the most points scored by the Lady Bulldogs, beating their previous highest scoring output of 112 against De La Salle University on September 11, 2019.

“We’re just happy that women’s basketball is back. We waited for a long time and I wanna congratulate the girls for starting this season with a convincing win,” said Dimaunahan.

Karl Pingol was also instrumental with 16 points, six rebounds, and six of NU’s 22 steals as it pounced on UE’s 35 turnovers with 40 points off those miscues.

Tin Cayabyab chipped in 14 points. Annick Tiky posted 11 points and eight rebounds. Angel Surada had 10 points and 10 boards, while Gypsy Canuto added seven points and 10 assists.

Joyce Terrinal and Kamba Kone led the Lady Red Warriors with 10 points each.

Meanwhile, LJ Miranda drilled a clutch triple with 18.2 seconds left as Ateneo escaped Far Eastern University, 67-64.

Miranda led the Blue Eagles with 17 points and eight rebounds as they beat the Lady Tamaraws for the first time in six years since their 54-39 win last October 13, 2016.

Jhaz Joson delivered 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while rookie Kacey Dela Rosa posted 14 points, 14 boards, six blocks, and three steals.

“I had to understand that I was expecting this that we will be full of jitters. Outside of Jhaz, 15 of our players have not even really played here in MOA,” said Ateneo head coach LA Mumar.

Camille Taguiam carried FEU  with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, but committed seven turnovers.

Ateneo joined National University, University of Santo Tomas, and De La Salle University as opening weekend victors.

Ateneo takes on NU on Wednesday, 11 a.m., at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion while, FEU faces University of the East later that day at 1 p.m.