UAAP: NU Lady Bulldogs claim dominant win despite errors, missed free throws

NU’s Tin Cayabyab during a game against UP. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — National University shrugged off 29 turnovers and poor free throw shooting as it still dominated University of the Philippines, 95-68, to open its second-round campaign on a high note in the UAAP Season 85 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Bulldogs remained unstoppable despite missing half of their 26 attempts from the free throw line giving up 21 turnover points to the Fighting Maroon, leading by as many as 36, 64-28, early in the third quarter and never looking back to stay unbeaten in eight games and stretch their winning streak to 104.

Tin Cayabyab led NU with 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals while Camille Clarin had 13 points, four boards, and four assists/ Karl Pingol chipped in 11 points and had five of her team’s 17 steals.

“Obviously, a lot of work has to be done on our team from this day on. We did not shoot well from the free throw line. We only had 50 percent. We missed 13. That’s a lot of freebies missed for this morning’s game,” said NU coach Aris Dimaunahan. “We had a lot of turnovers today. I thought it could be a better game for us had we taken care of the ball. Hopefully, we’ll do better next time and improve again.”

Both teams failed to take care of the ball with the Maroons also commiting too many turnovers with 35 that led to 42 points on the other end for the Lady Bulldogs.

UP, which only shot 2-of-18 from long distance, slid to fifth place with a 3-5 record. Christie Bariquit and Maian Domingo paced the Maroons with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, Camille Taguiam came through in the clutch to rescue Far Eastern University, which ended a five-game skid after edging winless University of the East, 62-56.

The Lady Tamaraws blew a 19-point lead as the Lady Warriors trimmed the deficit to five, 52-47, off Joyce Terrinal’s trey with 6:29 remaining in the game.

But Taguiam joined hands with Princess Jumuad to unleash an 8-0 run for a 60-47 breather with 2:59 to play  en route to their second win in eight outings.

Taguiam showed the way with 15 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Danica Pacia posted 14 points and seven boards, while Jumuad added 13 points and nine rebounds. 

UE dropped to 0-8 despite the effort of Kamba Kone, who had an 18-point and 22-rebound performance. Pauline Anastacio added 14 points, six assists, and four boards. 

The Scores:

First game:

FEU 62 — Taguiam 15, Pacia 14, Jumuad 13, Go 7, Delos Santos 4, Paras 3, Cunanan 2, Calinawan 2, Aquino 2, Manguiat 0, Obien 0, Lopez 0, Salvani 0, Samonte 0.

UE 56 — Kone 18, Anastacio 14, Terrinal 11, Sajol 7, Silva 6, Gervacio 0, Paule 0, Delig 0, Lorena 0, Caraig 0, Nama 0, Naman 0, Tinio 0, De Leon 0.

Quarters: 23-16, 38-24, 50-40, 62-56.

Second game:

NU (95) – Cayabyab 17, Clarin 13, Pingol 11, Fabruada 9, Betanio 8, Tiky 8, Canuto 7, Cacho 7, Barroquillo 6, Surada 4, Villareal 3, Talas 2, Bartolo 0, Dimaunahan 0, Solis 0, Ico 0.

UP (68) – Bariquit 11, Domingo 10, Sanchez 8, Maw 7, Vingno 6, Tapawan 6, Rivera 5, Jimenez 5, Lozada 4, Gonzales 2, Sauz 2, Pesquera 1, Larrosa 1.

Quarters: 25-13, 56-28, 75-45, 95-68.

RELATED STORIES