MANILA – National University Lady Bulldogs clinched its sixth consecutive UAAP women’s basketball tiara via a 66-54 Game 2 thrashing of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in the finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Finals MVP Monique del Carmen drained 15 points, four assists, two rebounds, and two steals.
She got things done early with seven first quarter points that set the tone for the Lady Bulldogs’ 25-8 start. This extended to 20, 30-10, in the second frame.
The Growling Tigresses rallied to within 46-38 early in the final canto. The Lady Bulldogs answered back with an 18-2 finishing run that brought the lead back up to 24, 64-40, with 4:35 left.
“Sobrang happy with everything,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Patrick Aquino. “Hindi ko ine-expect na we will have six titles in six years with no losses. We are so happy for the school and the players.”
Congolese center Rhena Itesi also ended her collegiate career with 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals while Kelli Hayes collected nine points, three boards, two assists, and two steals.
Ilongga Kaye Pingol also registered 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals for the Lady Bulldogs but wasn’t able to finish the game after hurting her right shoulder.
For the Growling Tigresses, Tantoy Ferrer tallied 16 points, six rebounds, and three steals while season MVP Grace Irebu also nabbed 11 points and 10 boards in the bridesmaid finish./PN
