The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs extended its winning streak to 81 straight wins via an 80-60 conquest over the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws Wednesday in the UAAP Season 82 women’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
NU’s Jack Animam tallied 17 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists to lead the five-time champions in the win. Congolese center Rhena Itesi chalked up 16 points, six boards, and three assists. Rookies Angel Surada, who had 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, and Camille Clarin, who tallied 10 points, three boards, and three dimes, made a stunning impression in their debuts.
Fil-Am forward Kelli Hayes, who previously played for the UCLA Bruins, contributed four points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists in her NU debut.
However, Lady Bulldogs coach Pat Aquino was not impressed with his squad’s weak defense which saw them trail, 43-48 in the third frame.
“It was a hard win, rusty probably, overconfident, but the thing is we have to play double time against FEU,” he said.
“Our players are still hesitant. We’re coming up with a new system and they’re still hesitant with that, but I just told them to play as hard as you can and everything will follow. That’s what happened,” he continued.
NU, however shook off the cobwebs and outscored FEU, 28-10, in the fourth frame to take the 20-point win.
Clare Castro led the Lady Tamaraws with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks, while Valerie Mamaril poured 16 points and two boards in the losing effort. (Jasper Camilo)
The Scores:
NU 80 — Animam 17, Itesi 16, Surada 10, Clarin 10, Bartolo 8, Pingol 6, Del Carmen 5, Hayes 4, Canuto 4, Harada 0, Fabruada 0, Cacho 0, Cac 0.
FEU 60 — Castro 24, Mamaril 16, Delos Santos 10, Quiapo 4, Jumuad 4, Bahuyan 2, Vidal 0, Padayon 0, Adriano 0, Bastatas 0, Antiola 0.
Quarterscores: 16-17, 22-25, 52-50, 80-60.