Pingol sizzles, tows NU to semis

Ann Pingol notched her first career triple-double as defending champion National University (NU) dismantled De La Salle University, 97-67, to clinch the second Final Four berth in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season (UAAP) 88 women’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Behind Pingol’s all-around brilliance of 12 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and six steals — marking the season’s first triple-double in the women’s division — the Lady Bulldogs secured their 11th consecutive Final Four appearance.

This impressive streak began in Season 76 during the first year of former head coach Pat Aquino, leading to 10 straight Finals trips and eight UAAP championships.

"I had no idea about my stats. But the coaches and my teammates informed me and set me up to achieve this feat," said the 5-foot-7 Pingol, a member of the UAAP Season 87 Mythical Team.

“I know I won’t do it without their support. I need them. I achieved them because of them.”

The victory also extended NU’s winning streak to eight games, solidifying its grip on solo second place in the eight-team field with a 9-1 record, trailing only the still-unbeaten University of Santo Tomas (9-0).

“We’re satisfied with this win,” Lady Bulldogs head coach DA Olan said.

“We’re happy that we played well and we followed the game plan. I challenged them to share the ball more that led to 37 assists. That is a testament to how this group of girls want to play for each other, share the ball, and think about the team.”

Building on a strong 50-36 halftime lead, NU blew the game wide open with a decisive 16-4 start to the third quarter — capped by two straight Tin Cayabyab inside conversions and a Daniella Alterado floater — to seize a commanding 66-40 lead that proved insurmountable.

After their 86-68 first-round victory last October 12, the Lady Bulldogs completed a dominant sweep of the Lady Archers in the elimination round.

Back-to-back triples from Marga Villanueva and Marylene Solis, followed by two Aloha Betanio free throws, stretched NU’s lead to 36 points, 93-57, with 5:03 remaining.

Cayabyab led NU’s balanced attack with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Betanio contributed 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting, along with six assists, five rebounds and two steals.

Angel Surada also delivered an all-around effort with 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals, while Dindy Medina and Villanueva chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.