UAAP women's basketball: NU goes 6-0; Adamson nips UP

MANILA – National University whipped University of the East, 67-39, and stretched its winning streak to six in the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday.

Pringle Fabruada led NU with 11 points and three rebounds while Nicole Pring contributed 10 points, two assists, and one steal.

NU likewise extended its winning streak over UE to 27 games.

"We got balanced minutes today and yes, we got our sixth win, but that's the goal for today after the final buzzer. We want to stay on top," NU coach Aris Dimaunahan said.

NU eyes a first-round sweep against Ateneo on Oct. 5.

In the first game, Adamson University repulsed University of the Philippines, 60-56, to keep solo third place at 4-2.

Trailing 38-44 at the end of the third quarter, the Fighting Maroons rallied behind Christie Bariquit, Shanina Tapawan, Louna Ozar, Achrissa Maw and Kye Pesquera to close in at 54-55, 1 minute and 36 second left in the game.

Adamson fought back to make it 58-54, but Achrissa Maw's basket put UP within 56-58, only 19.1 seconds remaining.

Bariquit tried to score but missed in the ensuing play while Cris Padilla sank two charities for the final count.

Filipino-Nigerian Oluwakemi Adeshina finished with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Cheska Apag added 12 points, six rebounds and five steals for the Lady Falcons.

Elaine Etang contributed 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals for Adamson, which took a 35-24 halftime lead after trailing, 9-16, in the first quarter.

"Before the start of the season, we were tackling each team one-by-one, checking their holdovers and how they did the previous season. UP's bread and butter from last year was pressure defense. I think we were able to capitalize on that and I think we limited our turnovers," Adamson coach Ryan Monteclaro said in the post-match interview.

"I think they were really patient and I'm really happy and proud that this is a testament of maturity for them after a devastating loss against NU in our last game. I was saying that we needed to get back at this and we have to stay where we want to be," he added, referring to their 54-72 defeat on Wednesday.

Maw had 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals while Fil-French Ozar added 15 points and 13 rebounds for UP, which dropped to 2-3. (PNA)