National University’s Angel Surada against Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball stepladder semifinals. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — Angel Surada delivered when it mattered most, steering defending champion National University (NU) back to the UAAP women's basketball finals.
The Lady Bulldogs are set to face the University of Santo Tomas (UST) for the third straight year after escaping with a slim 67-66 win over Ateneo de Manila University in the Season 88 stepladder semifinals on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
"Speechless. We were not playing that well, but ang positive was how everybody did not quit kahit things were not going our way. Hindi maituturo sa kanila yon. They did not quit until the final buzzer," National U coach DA Olan said.
This was indeed the case as, Surada, who helped NU tie the game at 66 after scoring six straight points in the final two minutes, remained composed despite missing the first of her two foul shots with only 0.6 ticks left after Sarah Makanjuola fouled her.
The senior star then calmly sank her next attempt for a one-point lead, and while Ateneo still had a chance to avoid elimination, Hannah Lopez's three-point attempt fell short, ending the Blue Eagles' season.
Surada led NU with 15 points, eight rebounds, six steals, and two assists. Marga Villanueva posted 16 markers, Tine Cayabyab added 15, while MVP Ann Pingol finished with 10 points, six rebounds, and five steals.
The Lady Bulldogs will now face the unbeaten Growling Tigresses in the Best-of-3 finals, with both teams carrying one championship each from Seasons 86 and 87.
On the other hand, Kacey Dela Rosa tallied 18 points, 22 rebounds, six assists, and three steals, but her efforts went for naught as Ateneo squandered a 65-57 lead in the final four minutes.
Camille Malagar also scored 18 points, Makanjuola had seven points and 13 rebounds, while Kai Oani chipped in nine.
The Scores:
NU 67 - Villanueva 16, Surada 15, Cayabyab 15, Pingol 10, Solis 6, Betanio 4, D. Medina 1, Garcia 0, Pring 0, S. Medina 0.
Ateneo 66 - Dela Rosa 18, Malagar 18, Oani 9, Makanjoula 7, Lopez 5, Villacruz 4, Batongbakal 3, De Luna 2, Cancio 0, Olivenza 0.
Quarterscores: 12-12, 34-36, 49-48, 67-66.