NU issues historic beatdown in title defense

c/o UAAP

National University extended its winning streak to 97 games on Sunday, as they issued a historic beatdown of the University of the East, 131-47, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs scored the highest point total in women's basketball since 2002, when the league started its computerization of stats. It surpassed the University of Santo Tomas' previous record of 129 back in September 22, 2018 against the University of the Philippines, as well as their school record 112 against De La Salle back in September 11, 2019.

Camille Clarin led the way for NU with 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. She shared to the media afterwards, "It was a statement to the UAAP that we're back. New coach, new players, but we still have the same culture and same goals."

The win was the first for Aris Dimaunahan as head coach of the Lady Bulldogs, after taking over from Patrick Aquino in the offseason. He expressed gratitude for the return of the event after being left off last season., "We're just happy na bumalik na 'yung basketball for women's, ang tagal naming hinintay and I wanna congratulate the girls for starting this season with a convincing win."

It did not take long for the defending champions to flex its muscles against the Lady Warriors, as they went on a 38-11 lead in the first quarter. They ratcheted the intensity in the second period, going on a 30-2 blitz to establish a 68-13 lead at the half.

They would reach a hundred points with less than a couple of minutes remaining in the third period, with the only thing left to be determined was if history was to be made.

Karl Pingol added sixteen points, six rebounds, and six steals. Tin Cayabyab tacked on fourteen points, while Annick Tiky netted eleven markers and eight rebounds.

Angel Surada secured a double-double with ten points and ten rebounds, with Gypsy Canuto almost had a double-double of her own with seven points and ten dimes.

Leading the way for UE are Joyce Terrinal and Kamba Kone with ten points each.

NU will seek to extend their streak against Ateneo on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavillon at 11am, with UE hoping to bounce back against Far Eastern University at 1pm the same day.

The Scores:

NU 131 -- Clarin 22, Pingol 16, Cayabyab 14, Tiky 11, Fabruada 10, Surada 10, Baroquillo 8, Solis 8, Canuto 7, Ico 7, Betanio 6, Dimaunahan 5, Villareal 3, Bartolo 2, Talas 2.

UE 47 -- Terrinal 10, Kone 10, Anastacio 9, Caraig 8, Ordas 4, Tinio 3, Gervacio 2, Lorena 1, Nama 0, Sajol 0, Dela Rosa 0, Paule 0.
 
Quarters: 38-11, 68-13, 102-25, 131-47