NATIONAL University shackled the women’s version of Ateneo’s “Kobe and Shaq” duo and was rewarded with handsome dividends yesterday.
The Lady Bulldogs whipped the Blue Eagles 58-43 in their Final Four clash to reach the finals of the 86th UAAP women’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Camille Clarin fired 12 points, on top of three rebounds and four assists for NU, while Ann Pingol added 10 markers.
Maymay Canuto and Jainaba Konateh also had eight points each for the Lady Bulldogs.
This was the 12th straight win of the belles of coach Aris Dimaunahan after losing to the University of the Philippines 69-72 in the first round last Oct. 8.
“I thought it’s always hard to play against Kacey Dela Rosa and Jhazmin Joson kasi they’re considered the 1-2 punch of Ateneo that’s why our main goal every time we play them is to limit them,” Dimaunahan said.
Added Pingol: “Thank you sa mga teammates ko na in-encourage nila ako para makabawi ako noong second half kasi noong first half wala talaga ako.”
Dela Rosa was limited to just 10 points, including just two in the second half, but still grabbed 11 rebounds and two blocks. In her final game for fourth-ranked Ateneo, Jhaz Joson was held to just seven points on a woeful 2-of-12 shooting while also committing eight turnovers.
Later, third seed University of the Philippines charged back from a 20-point hole in the second quarter and scored an 88-80 victory over No. 2 and twice-to-beat University of Santo Tomas.
Fil-French rookie Louna Ozar unleashed 25 points, three rebounds, and three assists for the Fighting Maroons, while Kaye Pesquera chipped in 19 markers.
Favour Onoh turned 18 years old yesterday and churned out 14 markers and 30 boards for UP, while Rhea Sanchez added 12.
Onoh’s 30 rebounds set a UAAP record across all divisions since 2003 when the league began recording stats digitally.
