MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs preserved their title-retention bid with a 72-70 victory over University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball finals on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Holding a slim 72-70 lead with 11.5 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the Lady Bulldogs had the chance to seal the win, but Camille Clarin fumbled her two free throw attempts.
In the subsequent play, the Growling Tigresses had an opportunity to secure both the victory and the championship, but Reynalyn Ferrer misfired on her three-point attempt from the corner at the buzzer.
Clarin finished with 18 points and eight assists, Ilongga Ann Pingol delivered 14 points and five rebounds, and Pringle Fabruada notched 13 points and four rebounds for the Lady Bulldogs.
“We just had to remind ourselves why we do it, why we love the sport so much, and what’s really at stake. I think when we figured out why we’re doing it, that’s what gave us the heart to go out and execute until the last minute,” said Clarin.
The Lady Bulldogs, which tied the best-of-three series at 1-1, will have a shot at their eighth consecutive championship in do-or-die Game 3 on Wednesday at the same venue.
“Buhay pa kami. Buhay pa kami,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Aris Dimaunahan. “Today’s mindset was just to stay alive and stay in the present. We don’t even think of Game 1, we don’t even think of Game 3. Our main focus is Game 2 only.”
“Proud of the ladies for doing a great job today, turning the tide around, playing for each other, and walang nag quit sa amin,” added the former UST Growling Tigers gunner.
Rocel Dionisio had a big game for the Growling Tigresses with 15 points and eight rebounds; while Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana chipped in 15 markers, including three outside baskets.
Ferrer, who played with flu, also added 15 points and six rebounds, and Ilongga Ana Tacatac produced 12 points and five steals for the Growling Tigresses./PN
BOX SCORE:
NU 72 – Clarin 18, Pingol 14, Fabruada 13, Surada 8, Berberabe 5, Solis 5, Canuto 4, Betanio 3, Cayabyab 2, Konateh 0, Bartolo 0.
UST 70 – Pastrana 15, Ferrer 15, Dionisio 15, Tacatac 12, Santos 4, Soriano 3, Bron 3, Maglupay 2, Villasin 1, Ly 0, Ambos 0.
Quarterscores: 21-26, 40-43, 59-57, 72-70.
