THE UST Junior Tigresses saw its late comeback stifled as the NU Lady Bullpups handed them their first defeat since 2020, 74-62, during the UAAP Season 88 girls’ basketball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Adamson University Gym.
UST slid to the second seed with a 2-1 win-loss record, while NU stayed unbeaten atop the standings to end Round 1.
NU seized early control in the opening quarter, holding the España-based squad scoreless for the first seven minutes and storming to a 16-0 start before closing the frame with a commanding 24-9 lead.
The Tigresses found its rhythm to open the second quarter, uncorking an 8-2 blitz to cut the deficit to nine, 26-17.
NU quickly regained momentum, answering with an 11-3 surge in the final two minutes of the half to reestablish separation and head into the break up 47-30.
The Lady Bullpups knocked down six of its 14 attempts from beyond the arc, while the Tigresses struggled from long range, converting just two triples.
UST then roared back in the third quarter, erupting for a blistering 25-8 run that erased the deficit and pulled them level at the 1:15 mark.
Nading Labay capped the surge with a layup that handed UST its first lead of the game, 56-54, heading into a tense final frame.
NU quickly reclaimed control in the payoff period, leaning on a decisive 17-2 run to shut the door on UST’s comeback bid.
Adin Rosano ignited NU’s breakaway with a booming triple that sparked a 7-0 run for a 64-60 lead.
The Bullpups sustained the momentum, stretching the surge to 11-0 midway through the quarter as Rosano poured in five straight baskets to widen the gap to 68-60 and wrest control of the game.
Aubrey Lapasaran led the way for the Bullpups with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Rosano added 14 points and 14 boards.
Pia Petalcorin was the lone Tigress who scored in double-digits with 15 points and two boards.
The defeat marked the Junior Tigresses’ first loss since Season 82, snapping a winning streak that dated back to their second-round meeting with De La Salle-Zobel. F
