KELLY Hayes and NU post their 94th consecutive win. DAVID JOHN CUBANGBANG

For sixth straight season, National University (NU) is back in the finals after completing a clean sweep of eliminations following an 80-62 win over University of the East (UE) in Season 82 University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Jack Animam anchored the powerhouse Lady Bulldogs with her 13 points, 21 rebounds, five assists, and one block as they annexed their unbeaten streak to 94 straight games.

What mattered more, however, was NU gaining an outright berth in the best-of-three title series as it gets a chance to continue its dynasty with a potential sixth championship.

“I’m just happy with what we accomplished, but we’re not yet finished with our goal which is to win the championship,” said coach Pat Aquino.

Mayu Goto came off the bench with 11 points as the only other Lady Bulldog to score in double figures while Jeuel Bartolo and Camille Clarin also provided spark with nine points apiece.

NU was quick to seize control of the match with a 28-12 start before taking a 49-23 halftime lead and enjoying leads that ballooned to 27 points.

Much of the credit in maintaining the lead in the second half is credited to the solid bench support the Lady Bulldogs had, drawing 49 points from their substitutes en route to another easy win.

NU now waits for the last team standing in the stepladder semis.

Game 1 of the best-of-three finals series begins on 20 November.

“This streak is nothing without the championship,” Animam said.

Graduating Lady Warrior Tin Cortizano led UE with 20 points, 18 rebounds, and four assists while Joyce Terrinal got 17 points and four boards, while Jearzy Ganade also had a double-double with her 13 points and 12 rebounds as the Lady Warriors ended their season at 1-13.