By MARK REY MONTEJO
National University lost to Japan Women’s College of Physical Education, 68-77, in the women’s final of 2025 BLIA Cup University Basketball Invitational Sunday, July 6.
Playing at the Fengshan Sports Arena in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the Lady Bulldogs overcame a shaky start and threatened at, 56-68, which unfortunately, the Japanese managed to counter with a run of their own to secure the win and the title.
It was the only loss for the reigning UAAP champion after sweeping its Pool B assignments.
The Aris Dimaunahan-guided squad also honored its departed player Ashlyn Abong by bringing her jersey during its stint.
Last year’s Rookie Finals MVP Cielo Pagdulagan spearheaded NU with 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block, while Marylene Solis also added 13 points.
Tin Cayabyab, for her part, was held to 11 points with six rebounds and three assists after her 31-point explosion over local school Fo Guang University, 89–76, in the semifinal.
On the other side, Nari Umemura led the Japanese with 24 points, six rebounds, two steals, and five assists. Hyori Shimoi, Runa Kumate and Hibiki Kanno backstopped her with 18, 13, and 10 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines remained winless as it bowed to Shih Hsin University, 85-90.
In the men’s division, Guang Ming College settled for fourth place after a 90-97 defeat to Malaysia Selection Team.
Reinforced by some of the residency players from the UP Fighting Maroons, James Payosing starred for GMC with 21 points, while Veejay Pre hauled 11 rebounds in a losing effort.
Rainer Maga and Russell Ogana played as well for the Flying Dragons.
