NU trounces Ateneo, keeps UAAP crown

National University, working behind its torrid shooting and rock-solid defense, demolished Ateneo, 7555, to retain its UAAP women’s title without dropping a game at the Blue Eagle gym.

The Lady Bulldogs started slow, scoring only 10 points in the opening period before pouring in the heat in the second period with a bristling 19-6 run to rip the game wide apart and claim their 32nd straight win since its breakthrough title sweep last year.

Backed by Blackwater Sports owner Dioceldo Sy and SM Supermarkets big boss Herbert Sy, NU practically sealed the win at the end of the third quarter by taking a commanding 60-34 advantage.

Back-to-back MVP winner Afril Bernardino finished in double-double for NU with 18 points and 17 rebounds to win the Finals MVP while Andrea Tongco added 17 points.

Rinna Itesi and Shelley Gupilan chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively, as NU became the No. 3 team in the league with the longest winning streak after the Adamson women’s softball team with 62 and the NU men’s tennis team with 33.

Despite the loss, Ateneo was still elated with its showing after surviving five do-or-die games, including against rival La Salle to advance to the finals.

Jolina Go led Ateneo with 19 markers while Danica Jose chipped in 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in her final game for the Lady Eagles. — Christian Jacinto

Bernardino 18, Tongco 17, Itesi 13, Gupilan 11, Abriam 6, Paig 3, Animam 2, Miranda 2, Del Carmen 2, Reyes 1, Antiquera 0, Sison 0, Nabalan 0, Harada 0, Layug 0, Riel 0.

Go 19, Jose 12, Guytingco 9, Javier 4, Yam 3, Aseron 3, Buendia 2, Lamar 2, Nitorreda 1, Tomita 0, Deacon 0, Moslares 0, Newsome 0, Veloso 0.

Quarters: 10-6, 40-21, 60-34, 75-55.