Jack Danielle Animam came up with another double-double for the defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs in their 71-59 swamping of comeback finalist Far Eastern University yesterday in Game 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Animam led with 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Lady Bulldogs, who moved to within a win to their fifth straight crown in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s basketball tournament.
Rheena Itesi added 13 points in leading the Lady Bulldogs to their 79th consecutive triumph in five years, which included a 14-game sweep of the elimination round this season.
“Just happy that Jackie came out today. I hope we can get the championship next game,” said Bullpups’ coach Pat Aquino.
Joining hands with Kaye Pingol, Animam struck twice during an 11-2 blast in the first period.
Their efforts shattered an 11-all deadlock and put the Lady Bulldogs ahead, 22-13.
FEU, with Clare Castro making 15 points, was held to 10 points in the second period as NU went on to grab a 37-23 halftime edge.
The Lady Bulldogs, behind Animam, Ria Nabalan and Jeanne Canelo, unleashed a 15-0 blast in the third period to enjoy a 58-31 spread with 1:30 left.
The Lady Bulldogs showed no signs of slowing down after coming back from a two-week layoff and Aquino attributed this to their tuneup games with a team from Taiwan.
BOX SCORES
NU 71—Animam 19, Itesi 13, Camelo 11, Nabalan 8, Fabruada 5, Del Carmen 4, Pingol 3, Cacho 2, Cac 2, Layug 2, Goto 2, Canuto 0, Harada 0, Ceno 0, Bartolo 0
FEU 59—Castro 15, Taguiam 11, Bahuyan 10, Mamaril 7, Quiapo 6, Adriano 6, Antiola 4, Vidal 0, Bastatas 0, Payadon 0, Dugay 0, Rebleza 0
QUARTER SCORES: 22-13, 37-23, 58-38, 71-59
