MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs survived a tough stand from the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses for a 70-65 victory in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Holding to a slim 67-65 lead, Ilongga Kaye Pingol converted a crucial three pointer to make it a five-point affair on Wednesday before teammate Kelli Hayes snuffed Golden Tigresses’ Jeorge Panti’s drive in the final 37 seconds to preserve the win.
Pingol, who hails from Pototan, Iloilo, finished the match with 12 points, six rebounds, five assists, and four steals. With the win, the Lady Bulldogs moved on the cusp of a historic sixth straight championship.
Rhena Itesi tallied 17 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks. Kelli Hayes added 16 points, four rebounds, two steals, an assist, and a block, while Mikka Cacho also added 11 points and six rebounds for NU.
The Lady Bulldogs notched its 95th straight win to extend this historic win streak despite the absence of center Jack Animam, who hurt her right eye while playing for Team Philippines in the 2019 FIBA Women’s Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in New Zealand.
“I just told the girls to keep on playing and don’t mind the score and they were able to do so,” said Lady Bulldogs mentor Patrick Aquino. “I know that UST is going to come back, they’ve been great this season, but we always have to play NU basketball all 40 minutes.”
Season MVP Grace Irebu bannered the Golden Tigresses with 17 points, 18 rebounds, and five blocks, as Ilongga Tacky Tacatac collected 10 points, two boards, and two steals in the loss. /PN
