March 29, 2025

UP shocks defending champion NU in five-set thriller behind Ytang’s 30 points

UP shocks defending champion NU in five-set thriller behind Ytang’s 30 points
Niña Ytang poured in 30 points en route to UP’s shock five-set win over NU on Wednesday. | Photo: The UAAP
The UP Fighting Maroons pulled off the biggest upset yet of UAAP Season 87 after they snapped the NU Lady Bulldogs’ winning streak in a five-set thriller, 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-12, in their second round encounter at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Wednesday.

 

Niña Ytang unleashed 30 points en route to a resounding victory, giving UP their first win over the NU Lady Bulldogs since the second round of UAAP Season 80 back in 2018. 

 

Her performance is also the highest since Tots Carlos’ 32-point performance against UST also during Season 80, and the first time a middle blocker scored 30 points since Jaja Santiago in Season 79.

 

The Fighting Maroons pounced on a sluggish Lady Bulldogs team which struggled mightily against a confident UP squad.

 

UP fought back from a 11-12 deficit after Alyssa Solomon blocked Joan Monares.

 

But an error from Solomon and an attack from Ytang powered a 4-0 finishing kick for the Fighting Maroons who are now 4-5 for the season.

 

Monares provided the game-winning point with an off speed hit.

 

Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs fall to 8-1 and see their 11 game win streak snapped.

 

Bella Belen paced NU in the loss with a triple-double of 21 points, 13 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions.

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