NU's Ann Pingol in action against Adamson in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament, November 8, 2025 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila. UAAP Media
MANILA -- Ann Pingol recorded a second straight triple-double to fuel National University's 86-57 victory over Adamson University in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament, Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
The defending champions got off to a sluggish start but regrouped behind the combined efforts of Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, Aloha Betanio and Angel Surada to outscore Adamson 27-11 in the decisive third quarter.
Pingol finished with an all-around effort of 17 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and two blocks to help the Lady Bulldogs improve to 10-1 in the tournament.
They are only behind unbeaten University of Santo Tomas (10-0) in the league standings with three games left in their schedule.
For Pingol, this was her second straight triple-double after her 12-point, 11-rebound, 11-assists effort in their 97-67 demolition of La Salle last Sunday.
READ: Pingol's triple-double powers NU past La Salle, into Final 4
"Adjustment-wise and game-plan wise, wala kaming in-adjust. It’s just the effort and focus doon sa linaro namin nung first half. Comparing that effort during the second [half], it was way better than the first half," NU head coach DA Olan said they held Adamson to just 21 points on 8-of-21 shooting in the second half.
Determined to rebound from a slow first half, the Lady Bulldogs opened the third quarter with a blistering 18-4 run — highlighted by key Surada baskets — to reclaim a seven-point, 50-43 lead with 4:19 left in the period.
NU maintained control from that point, with a Pingol three-pointer and an inside basket by Cayabyab capping a dominant 27-11 third-quarter showing, giving the Lady Bulldogs a 59-47 cushion heading into the final period.
A seven-point swing by Marga Villanueva, followed by consecutive triples from Surada and Marylene Solis early in the fourth, effectively sealed the win as NU extended its lead to 20 points at 72-52 with 4:09 remaining.
Surada led four NU players in double figures, finishing with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, 12 rebounds, four steals, and four assists. Villanueva contributed 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting with two steals, while Cayabyab added 13 points, two assists, and one steal before fouling out with 18 seconds left.
The Lady Bulldogs will aim for their 10th consecutive win against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Wednesday, November 12, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Adamson, meanwhile, fell out of the Final Four picture, dropping to solo fifth place with a 4-7 record.
Nigerian center Victoria Adeshina led the Lady Falcons with 17 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Cris Padilla added seven points, two rebounds, and two assists.
Adamson will look to rebound in a crucial matchup against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons next Sunday, November 16, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Scores:
NU (86) - Surada 18, Pingol 17, Villanueva 16, Cayabyab 13, Betanio 6, Solis 6, Medina 5, Alterado 3, Canindo 2, Pring 0, Garcia 0.
AdU (57) - Adeshina 17, Padilla 7, Agojo 6, Etang 5, A. Alaba 5, Ornoppia 4, E. Alaba 3, Bajo 3, Apag 3, Meniano 2, Muñoz 2, Limbago 0, Carcallas 0, Manlimos 0, Cortez 0, Mazo 0.
Quarterscores: 20-19, 32-36, 59-47, 86-57.