Lady Bulldogs avenge defeat

Games today:

(Mall of Asia Arena)

9 a.m. — Adamson vs FEU

11 a.m. — La Salle vs UE

Defending champion National University got its much-awaited payback over first-round tormentor University of the Philippines, 81-59, to build momentum heading into the Final Four of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 women's basketball tournament yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Bulldogs won their 11th straight game to finish the elimination round with a tournament-best 13-1 win-loss record.

It was the perfect revenge for NU as not only did it erase the painful 69-72 defeat it suffered in the first round but also handed University of Santo Tomas a free claim to the last semis twice-to-beat advantage against the Fighting Maroons.

"We talked about momentum and that was really the goal today for our team, to have some momentum going towards the Final Four and I thought the players and coaches were locked in on what we're trying to do today," NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan said.

The top seed Lady Bulldogs will face Ateneo de Manila University in the semifinals.

Maymay Canuto led the way for NU, scoring 16 points and grabbing six rebounds, Jainaba Konateh added 12 points while Ann Pingol and Aloha Betanio produced 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Camille Clarin dished out nine assists to go with eight points for the Lady Bulldogs, who used a huge 19-8 third quarter spurt to turn a two-point advantage at halftime to a 13-point lead heading into the payoff period.