The NU Lady Bulldogs keep their perfect slate in Season 87 with an escape act over defending champion UST in Game 1 of the UAAP women's basketball Finals.
The NU Lady Bulldogs fought back from 14 points down to take first blood against the UST Growling Tigresses, 72-71, in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
After falling behind by 14 points, 37-51, early in the third quarter, the Lady Bulldogs cleaned up their act on defense to clamp down on the defending champion Growling Tigresses.
In the seesaw fourth quarter, it was ultimately soon-to-be-crowned Rookie of the Year Cielo Pagdulagan’s basket with 50.3 ticks left that put NU ahead permanently, with neither team scoring until the final buzzer.
Tacky Tacatac missed on the potential game-winning three in the dying seconds of the game as NU held on for the win.
NU held the door ajar for UST prior to Tacatac’s miss after committing a shot clock violation in the earlier possession.
Karl Pingol paced NU in the victory with 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block.
Camille Clarin added 12 markers, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Pagdaulagan added nine markers for the Lady Bulldogs, who extended their perfect season record to 15-0.
Pastrana paced UST in the losing effort with 22 points, six boards, two assists, and three steals.
NU aims to reclaim the crown it lost last year when the Lady Bulldogs attempt to close out UST in Game 2 on Wednesday, December 11, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.