The NU Lady Bulldogs held off the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 66-60, in the UAAP Season 89 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City on Saturday.
NU closed the second quarter on a 15-5 run to take a 32-22 lead into halftime. Kristine Cayabyab then continued with the onslaught in the third quarter as the Lady Bulldogs improved their lead to 11, 52-41, coming into the fourth.
UST Holds Off FEU in the Fourth
In the last quarter, Victoria Pasilang sparked the Lady Tamaraws’ comeback after her triple cut the deficit to three, 55-58, with 2:20 remaining. However, Cielo Pagdulagan and Marga Villanueva denied the comeback as they widened the lead to 7, 64-57, with 36 seconds remaining.
Amyah Espanol answered back with a three, but Ann Pingol sealed the win after sinking her two free throws in the dying seconds of the game.
“First of all, we commend FEU for really giving us a hard time in this game, but we’re also proud of how we finished the game. At least we were able to pull this off. We struggled the whole game, but we found a way to win,” said NU head coach DA Olan.
Reigning MVP Shows Out
Pingol, the reigning MVP, led the Lady Bulldogs with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Cayabyab added 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.
For FEU, Espanol scored 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, while Pasilang added 16 points and 7 rebounds.
NU will next face the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, October 21, 12:00 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Earlier that day at 10:00 a.m., FEU will face the UE Lady Red Warriors.
