National player Jack Danielle Animam and newcomer Kaye Pingol showed the way with 12 points as the defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs retained the women’s crown last Sunday in the 23rd Fr. Martin Cup Summer Basketball tournament.
Rheena Itesi had 11 points with another veteran Ria Nabalan for the Lady Bulldogs, who finished their campaign with eight wins and a loss at the St. Placid gymnasium of the San Beda-Manila campus in Mendiola.
Newcomer Jeanne Camelo, a prized find from Chiang Kai Shek College, had nine points and played a big role as she scored two of three triples in the early part of the game.
For the Lady Bulldogs, it was third crown in four years in this cagefest which is supported by Cocolife.
“I’m happy that we won again. For the girls, this is a learning experience, especially for the new ones in the group,” said Lady Bulldogs coach Patrick Aquino.
The Lady Bulldogs took control early, with Camelo, a prized find from Chiang Kai Shek College, unloading two treys in the first five minutes of the game.
Camelo’s efforts helped the Lady Bulldogs move away, and take a 15-8 advantage off Nabalan.
With Annick Fabienne Edimo Tiky controlling the boards, the Lady Bulldogs slowly took control after taking a 38-29 halftime edge.
Grace Irebu led the Tigresses with 16 points.
In othe games, Nico Abatayo showed the way with 11 points while Anthony Sistoza had nine as the NU Bulldogs fought off Our Lady of Fatima University, 72-62, and improved their chances of reaching the quarterfinals with win no. 3 in Group A of the senior division.
Adama Diakhite hit 23 points for the defending champion Diliman College Blue Dragons in their 72-65 triumph over University of the East, and this allowed them to move up the senior standings at 3-0.
Adam Doria made 13 points for the Adamson Baby Falcons, who downed Hope Christian School, 85-71, claimed in their second win in three outings in Group of the junior action, and stayed on course of a quarterfinals slot. Peter Atencio