Lady Bulldogs advance to first ever Finals

By Anton Roxas Posted Sep 25th 2013

National University eliminated perennial title contender Adamson University in their UAAP Season 76 Women’s basketball Final Four matchup, winning 66-47 on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

Kristine Abriam finished with a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Anne Gupilan, Risa Paig and Andrea Tongco combined for 35 points to complete the cast of four NU players who reached double-digit scoring.

Leading by just six points entering the fourth, NU buckled down on defense and went on an offensive rampage, outscoring AdU, 23-10.

The Lady Bulldogs made it to the Finals for the first time in the history of the women's tournament and will face De La Salle University.

“It feels wonderful because it’s the first time for the team and for the school. I’m so happy for the kids. It’s a great honor to be in the finals,” said NU head coach Pat Aquino.

“La Salle is a good team, they’re a shooting team, they play defense and of course my team also wants to win this for the first time. It’s going to be an exciting matchup and hopefully, we can come out victorious,” added Aquino, who is only in his second year with NU.

Box scores:

First game:

NU 66 – Abriam 17, Gupilan 14, Paig 11, Tongco 10, Antiquiera 6, Bernardino 4, Sison 2, Bonleon 2, Seno 0, Escoto 0.

AdU 47 – Tongco 17, Cochico 8, Taller 6, Mateo 4, Balasta 4, De Castro 3, Garrido 2, Avila 2, Quingco 1, Ong 0.

Quarter scoring: 18-9, 30-20, 43-37, 66-47.