UAAP women’s cage finals: Lady Bulldogs seek win No. 96, sixth straight title

By Kristel Satumbaga

Game Saturday

(Mall of Asia Arena)

12 noon – NU vs UST (women’s)

National University seeks to add another trophy to its burgeoning growing shelf when it guns for a title sweep against University of Santo Tomas Saturday in UAAP season 82 women’s basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Game 2 of their best-of-three series fires off at 12 noon with the Lady Bulldogs aiming the same feat as newly crowned men’s champion Ateneo Blue Eagles, who were unblemished in 16 games.

So much, however, is at stake for NU as it tries to stretch their imposing 95-game winning streak dating back the opening day of Season 77 on July 13, 2014.

The taste of defeat may appear alien for the Lady Bulldogs, and coach Pat Aquino wants to keep it that way for a sixth straight crown.

Knowing UST’s resilience, it is easier said than done.

“I know that UST is going to come back. They’ve been great this season. We just have to play NU basketball for 40 minutes,” he said.

While Aquino expects everyone in his roster to step up the way they did in Game 1’s 70-65 victory last Wednesday, expect Fil-Am forward Kelli Hayes at the forefront after delivering 16 points, four rebounds and two steals.

Mythical Five member Jack Animam is also slated to suit up after missing Game 1 due to a right orbital fracture sustained during her stint with the national team in the 2019 FIBA Women’s Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in New Zealand last week.

For UST, it is all about working harder.

“There are so many breaks na we could have tied or won (Game 1),” said UST coach Haydee Ong.

“Siyempre di kami makukuntento dyan kasi our backs are against the wall. I just told the team na we still have another game, another opportunity.”

Season Most Valuable Player Grace Irebu and Tacky Tacatac are expected to anchor the Tigresses in their bid to extend the series after merging for 27 points in Game 1.

Game 3, if necessary, will be on Wednesday at the same venue.

Source: Manila Bulletin