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

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

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

“We have always believed that NU women’s basketball has been and continues to be all about defense. That’s been our bread and butter since Coach Pat (Aquino). I thought we did a good job today of following the game plan,” NU coach Aris Dimaunahan said after taking an early 2-0 lead in the league.

However, Dimaunahan lamented their failure to stop FEU’s Congolese center Josee Kaputu, who dropped 27 points and 11 rebounds.

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

University of the Philippines also earned its second win after defeating winless University of the East with a 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 appreciated recruit Louna Ozar from its Gilas Pilipinas Women stint at the Asian Games on Sunday as it battles NU at the University Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.

“Come into Sunday against NU, we’re hoping for the best that we can execute against them with everything we’ve been practicing for,” Fighting Maroons coach Paul Ramos said. “Right now, Louna arrives. We hope she can adapt and relax on Sunday.”

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 loss.

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

“Of course we expected this kind of performance 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 Adamson’s effort from the first half to the end; they never gave up. I hope we can get better every game. There are players we are waiting for to go a step further,” she added.

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

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

Junize Calago led 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 fell to 0-2 after Luisa San Juan’s 29-point explosion.