University of the Philippines goes down 1-2 after suffering a meltdown in the third quarter, as National University dominated the second half to claim their third consecutive victory, 76-64, in the UAAP women’s basketball tournament, Wednesday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
The Lady Bulldogs blazed to a 15-point lead early in the second quarter, 29-14, but the Maroons managed to tie the game at 41 at halftime.
Come third quarter, it was NU’s turn to make a run, going on a 16-0 blast to begin the frame, 57-41, and clamped down on defense to limit State U to 0-of-10 field goals and just two points from split free throws from Achrissa Maw and Alex Mendoza. The third frame spelled the difference for UP as they were unable to muster a comeback in the fourth.
In the losing effort, Christie Bariquit led the Fighting Maroons with 14 points, 13 of which were made in the first half.
Maw continued to be a steady presence, tallying 12 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, and Kaye Pesquera contributed 10 points and seven rebounds.
For the Jhocson-based squad, Pringle Fabruada top-scored with 16 points and five rebounds, and Aloha Betanio had an all-around game with 13 points on a perfect 3-of-3 percentage from beyond the arc, along with four rebounds, four steals, and two assists, and was a +17.
Center Jainaba Konateh finished with 12 points and six rebounds, while Ann Pingol chipped in 9 points, draining 2-of-2 triples.
The UP Fighting Maroons (1-2) aim to regroup and bounce back when they face the FEU Lady Tamaraws (1-2) who are coming from their first win versus the UE Lady Warriors, both seeking their second win, on Sunday, 11:30AM, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The marquee matchup between UAAP Season 86 finalists and still undefeated NU Lady Bulldogs (3-0) and UST (3-0) Growling Tigresses is set to open the weekend matches on Saturday, 11:30AM, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
The Scores:
NU 76 – Fabruada 16, Betanio 13, Konateh 12, Pingol 9, Cayabyab 7, Surada 6, Canuto 5, Pagdulangan 4, Clarin 2, Solis 1, Ico 1, Talas 0, Pring 0, Alterado 0.
UP 64 – Bariquit 14, Maw 12, Pesquera 10, Barba 6, Ozar 5, Mendoza 5, Nolasco 4, Jimenez 3, Solitario 3, Vingno 2, Tapawan 0, Lozada 0, Sauz 0, Quinquinio 0.
Quarter Scores: 25-12, 41-41, 62-43, 76-64.
This UP Fighting Maroons Club post is made in partnership with Jiang Nan Hotpot.
