NATIONAL University turned back a hard-fighting Far Eastern University side, 67-61, and completed its “Drive for Five” for the UAAP women’s basketball championship yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“What can I say, it is wow! Amazing! Winning a fifth championship, 80-0? Amazing to be a part of it,” said Lady Bulldogs coach Pat Aquino.
“It’s wonderful, unbelievable. Talagang I just trying to enjoy every moment of it,” he added.
NU’s perfect season was made more memorable as it surpassed the old mark of Adamson’s softball team’s 73-game winning streak midway in the eliminations.
For Ria Nabalan and Jhianne Layug, their stints with NU were magical being members of the dynasty.
Now the longest active winning streak in any sport in the league at 80-0, NU won its fifth consecutive championship, now tying La Salle in fifth place among the most successful programs.
In Game 2, the Lady Bulldogs were challenged by the Lady Tamaraws, who were able to bring down the 27-point deficit to six but time was not on their side. NU center Jack Danielle Animam was named the Finals MVP after averaging 17 points, 16.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, three steals ahd 1.5 blocks in the series.
Congo’s Rhena Itesi had 17 points and 10 rebounds while Animam added 15 points, 21 rebounds, four blocks and two assists for the Lady Bulldogs.
Fatima Quiapo came through with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Clare Castro, despite scoring only six markers, had 13 rebounds and four blocks for FEU.
Earlier, University of Santo Tomas’ Grace Irebu of Congo formally received the season MVP honors prior to the game.
Irebu’s teammate Sai Larosa, Animam, Castro and Adamson’s Nathalie Prado were named in the Mythical Five. UST’s Renalyn Ferrer claimed the Rookie of the Year plum.
The scores:
NU 67 – Itesi 17, Animam 15, Nabalan 11, Pingol 8, Camelo 8, Del Carmen 7, Canuto 1, Fabruada 0, Layug 0, Cacho 0, Goto 0.
FEU 61 – Quiapo 15, Adriano 9, Mamaril 8, Bahuyan 7, Castro 6, Taguiam 6, Antiola 6, Bastatas 2, Payadon 2, Vidal 0.
Quarters: 18-16, 41-25, 54-44, 67-61
