Pasay city: Defending champion National University closed out its first round campaign in the UAAP women’s basketball tournament with an 83-54 victory over University of the East on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Karl Ann Pingol finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and two assists for the Lady Bulldogs, who improved to 6-1 for second place.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pingol scored eight points, while Angel Surada, Kristine Cayabyab, and Aloha Betanio also contributed in a 19-6 run that gave NU a 41-26 halftime lead. “We’re happy with the standing of course, but for this game we had a bad start,” said NU head coach Da Olan. “It’s good that we recovered in the second quarter and second half, but I hope we don’t start like that in the second round,” he added.

Cayabyab contributed 19 points, eight steals, seven assists, and five rebounds, while Surada had 10 points and 15 rebounds. Moana Vacalares paced winless UE with 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Rachel Lacayanga chipped in 13 points and six rebounds, while Gullim had eight points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals for the Lady Warriors, who will face the Adamson University Lady Falcons on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia.

Meanwhile, NU will face Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.