By Kristel Satumbaga
National University clobbered University of the East 80-62 on Wednesday for an elimination sweep in UAAP women’s basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena.
NU’s Jack Animam aims to shoot against a UE defender (UAAP Images)
Jack Animam erupted with a double-double effort of 13 points and 21 rebounds on top of five assists to anchor the Lady Bulldogs to their 14th straight win and propel them straight to the best-of-three finals.
It was also NU’s 94th consecutive victory dating back six years ago to strengthen its bid for a sixth straight title.
NU’s outright finals appearance put University of Santo Tomas (11-3), Adamson University and Far Eastern University (8-6) in a stepladder semis.
The National University Lady Bulldogs (UAAP Images)
The winner between Adamson and FEU will face UST, with the Tigresses enjoying a twice-to-beat incentive.
Adamson advanced to the semis with an 87-86 squeaker over De La Salle for 9-5.
Mar Prado split her charities with 14.3 seconds left off a foul from Bea Dalisay to steer the Lady Falcons. The Lady Archers failed to set up a play to grab the win in the dying seconds against Adamson’s stifling defense.
The battle, however, is not yet over as far as the Lady Bulldogs are concerned.
“This (winning) streak is nothing without the championship,” said Animam.
“I’m just happy we accomplished another feat, but we’re not finished with our goal yet, which is to win the title,” said NU coach Pat Aquino.
Mayu Goto came off the bench and contributed 11 points, while Jeuel Bartolo and Camille Clarin added nine points apiece.
The Lady Warriors finished the season with 1-13.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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