San Juan: National University clobbered Ateneo de Manila University, 141-40, Thursday to secure its second straight win in the UAAP Season 87 girls basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ashlyn Abong delivered 27 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists as the Lady Bullpups notched their fourth win in five games. Zaydhen Rosano chipped in 19 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals; Hasly Mallari had 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Aubrey Lapasaran added 16 points, six assists, five steals, and four rebounds for NUNS, which is already assured of a Finals berth after the University of Santo Tomas defeated De La Salle Zobel on Feb. 23.
Ashley Trinidad contributed 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Marie Mae Sales had 11 points and five rebounds. NUNS will try to sustain its momentum in the Finals preview against unbeaten UST on March 6.
NUNS head coach Camilla Escoto stated, "We just wanted to play strong today because this game will set the tone for our next game against UST, the unbeaten team right now. That's what we want, to just give confidence to the players." She added, "In terms of depth, that's what I want because I want us to be balanced so that whoever gets into the court, can contribute. That's important if we want to solve the UST puzzle."
For the winless Blue Eagles, Tyler Templo had 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Jian Esconded chipped in eight points. Ateneo and De La Salle-Zobel will square off on Sunday.
NUNS' 101-point victory is the second-largest winning margin in UAAP girls' basketball history, surpassing De La Salle Zobel's 99-point blowout (115-16) against Ateneo last Feb. 9.