Pasay: Defending champion National University whipped De La Salle University, 97-67, Sunday to snare the second Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Karl Ann Pingol produced the season’s first triple-double in the women’s division — 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists – to lead the Lady Bulldogs to the semifinals for the 11th time.

According to Philippines News Agency, the streak started in Season 76 under coach Pat Aquino, leading to 10 straight final appearances and eight titles from 2014 to 2019. Aquino quit in 2022 when the league was played in a bubble due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Earlier, I didn’t even know that those were my stats. It’s like the coaches and the people I’m with on the court are telling me, it’s like they fed me that I need this and then we’ll take care of you,” the 5-foot-7 Pingol, playing in her final season, said after the match. “They know I can’t do it without them. I need them, too. It’s also because of them,” the Season 87 Mythical Team member added.

NU extended its winning run to eight to stay second at 9-1, behind unbeaten University of Santo Tomas (9-0). ‘I challenged them to share the ball more in this game and I am happy because we got 37 assists. That is a testament to how this group of girls wants to play for each other, share the ball and think about the team,” NU coach DA Olan said. Kristine Cayabyab finished with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Aloha Betanio had 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals for the Lady Bulldogs, who led 50-36 at halftime.

Angel Surada chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals, while Dindy Medina and Marga Villanueva scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. Kyla Go delivered 21 points, while Kyla Sunga and Paulina Anastacio contributed 10 points apiece for La Salle, which fell into a tie with Adamson University in fifth place at 3-6. NU will meet Adamson on Nov. 8 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila. La Salle, on the other hand, will face third-seeded Ateneo de Manila University on Nov. 9 at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.