MANILA -- National University will be armed with a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final 4 of the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament.
This, after the defending champions clobbered University of the East, 81-48, on Saturday afternoon at the Araneta Coliseum.
With the result, the Lady Bulldogs improved to 12-1 in the season, having won their last 11 games. It also gave them some momentum heading into their showdown with University of Santo Tomas next week, where they will try to avenge a 76-62 loss in the first round.
Ann Pingol led the charge with 18 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting, adding seven steals, six rebounds, and three assists, while Dindy Medina scored all 16 of her points in the first half.
NU's Ann Pingol goes for a layup against UE in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament, November 15, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum. UAAP Media
"We'll just prepare for that last game just as hard as we prepare for any other team. Same mindset pa rin na every game, we prepare hard and we want to get that win. Same mindset coming into that last game against UST," NU head coach DA Olan said.
After a strong 23-11 showing in the first quarter, the Lady Bulldogs broke the game open with a dominant 30-8 second quarter, holding the Lady Warriors to a woeful 2-of-9 shooting and establishing a 53-19 halftime lead.
NU maintained control in the third quarter as key baskets by Daniella Alterado, Angel Surada, and Tin Cayabyab pushed UE into a 71-33 deficit heading into the final period.
Marga Villanueva finished with 14 points, two steals, two assists, and one rebound, while Cayabyab posted a near double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds, adding three assists. Surada came one point shy of a double-double, contributing nine points and 11 rebounds, along with three steals and two assists.
The loss kept UE winless in 13 games and extended their losing streak to 23 straight contests dating back to the first round of Season 87.
Syvil Oñate led the Lady Warriors with 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting, adding three rebounds and one steal. Rachel Lacayanga was limited to nine points on 3-of-12 shooting with seven turnovers but contributed seven rebounds, three steals, and one assist.
UE aims to close the season on a high note when it battles Far Eastern University next Saturday, November 22, also at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
NU (81) - Pingol 18, D. Medina 16, Villanueva 14, Cayabyab 10, Surada 9, Alterado 4, Betanio 3, Pring 2, S. Medina 2, Ico 2, Solis 1, Canindo 0.
UE (48) - Oñate 23, Lacayanga 9, Ronquillo 4, Dalguntas 3, Gullim 2, Buscar 2, Trinidad 2, Lumibao 2, Yañez 1, Ramos 0, Gomez 0, Salise 0, Delig 0.
Quarterscores: 23-11, 53-19, 71-33, 81-48.