Quezon city: National University Nazareth School (NUNS) launched its quest for the championship in UAAP Season 88 girls' basketball with an unprecedented 155-29 victory against Ateneo de Manila University at the Blue Eagle Gym.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 126-point winning margin surpassed the previous record set by the University of Santo Tomas, who defeated Ateneo by 124 points with a score of 170-46 on February 16, 2025.
Inday Sales was at the forefront for the Lady Bullpups, contributing 19 points, six assists, and three rebounds. KJ Badajos, Queenie Cordero, and Aubrey Lapasaran each added 15 points, showcasing their playmaking and defensive skills with assists and steals.
New coach Ai Lebornio, who succeeded Camilla Escoto, expressed the team's determination saying, "It's a blessing to the team and for us. When we came here, we told the kids that we'll play hard because this season, we'll try again [to win the championship]."
NUNS established a commanding 80-10 lead by halftime, capitalizing on the performances of Zane Singson, Zaydhen Rosano, and Lapasaran. The team demonstrated shooting efficiency with a 58.8-percent success rate, making 70 out of 119 attempts, while restricting Ateneo to just 12 successful shots out of 59 and inducing 43 turnovers.
For Ateneo, Tyler Templo led with 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists, and Cheska Gozum contributed nine points and seven rebounds.
Looking ahead, Ateneo is set to compete against UST on January 18 at the Blue Eagle Gym, while NUNS will face De La Salle Zobel on January 22 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
