NATIONAL University hardly broke out a sweat yesterday, clobbering University of the East 109-54 to complete a first round sweep of the UAAP Season 82 women’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Bulldogs used a telling 37-3 first quarter barrage to set the tone for their seventh win this season and extend their historic win streak to 87 games.
Fresh from her Gilas women stint, Jack Animam had 20 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, an assist, and a steal to lead NU.
“Mukhang ready naman sila to step up. We thought Jack will not be able to play, but she surprised us,” said assistant coach Julie Amos, who called the shots for coach Pat Aquino who is still in India for the 2019 Fiba Women’s Asia Cup.
Congolese center Rhena Itesi also dropped 20 points and 14 boards, while Mikka Cacho added 11 points and three assists as all 14 Lady Bulldogs managed to score in the game.
In the other game, Ateneo turned back a game challenge from University of the Philippines to score a 76-61 win and end its four-game losing streak.
Kat Guytingco came alive in the second half, scoring all of her 13 points, while also collecting five rebounds, three assists, and one steal to help the Lady Eagles end the first round on a high note.
“She sat out for most of the first two quarters and that fueled her to do more sa second half,” coach Kat Quimpo said of her fifth-year guard.
Jhaz Joson added 13 points, seven boards, and four assists, while Zoe Chu had 12 points and three rebounds in the win.
UP remained the only winless team for this season as its losing skid extended to 37 games.
