Manila – The National University Lady Bulldogs have advanced to the final of the UAAP Season 86 women's basketball tournament after claiming their 12th consecutive victory on Wednesday. This triumph at the SM Mall of Asia Arena brings them one step closer to their eighth straight title.
According to Philippines News Agency, Camille Clarin and Karl Pingol were instrumental in the Lady Bulldogs' 58-43 victory over the No. 4 Lady Eagles. Clarin contributed 12 points, four assists, and three rebounds, while Pingol added 10 points and three steals. The top-seeded Lady Bulldogs will now face the winner of the match between No. 2 University of Santo Tomas and No. 3 University of the Philippines in the best-of-three championship series. The Fighting Maroons have already forced a rubber match against the Growling Tigresses following their 88-80 overtime win. Louna Ozar led UP with 25 points. NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan acknowledged the challenge posed by Ateneo's key players, Kacey Dela Rosa and Jhazmin Joson, and commended his team's effort in limiting their impact. Dela Rosa managed 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Joson, in her final game, scored seven points. NU's consistent performance, including contributions from Gypsy Canuto, Marylene Solis, and Pingol, was critical in maintaining their lead and ultimately securing their place in the final. Junize Calago led Ateneo with 12 points, and Sarah Makanjuola added eight points and 16 rebounds.