Lady Bulldogs seal cage three-peat

MANILA, Philippines – The National U Lady Bulldogs proved they’re still the alpha female of league as they routed the La Salle side, 96-72, to complete a three-peat via another perfect record yesterday in the UAAP LXXIX women’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Finals MVP Gemma Miranda and season MVP Afril Bernardino spearheaded a 19-6 blitz in the opening period to set the tone for the rout that extended the Lady Bulldogs’ reign to three years and their long-standing win streak to 48.

“I told them we have to play our best game today and we did,” said NU coach Patrick Aquino “We played good defense and it fueled our offense.”

Miranda fired 25 points to go with 13 rebounds while season MVP Bernardino chipped in 18 markers and nine assists and Jack Animam and Ria Nabalan contributed 16 and 15, respectively, as NU reasserted its might in women’s basketball.

As bonus, the Lady Bulldogs also exacted revenge on DLSU, the last team that beat them in the finals back in Season 76.

“I’m happy that we beat La Salle this time. We’ve been waiting for them for two years already,” Aquino said.

Aquino, meanwhile, revealed that NU officials are grooming the graduating Bernardino for a possible shot at the WNBA.

“We are having contacts already. Hopefully, it pushes through. Our boss Heherson Sy has been talking with WNBA people. Magpapadala na kami ng tapes and video niya,” said Aquino.

As this developed, the search is on for the next coach of the NU men’s basketball team as management accepted the resignation of coach Eric Altamirano, according to athletic director Chito Loyzaga.