MANILA, Philippines - National University-Ever Bilena re-staked its claim as the country’s premier women’s ballclub as it ruled the first Rexona Women’s Invitational tournament with an 86-82 victory over University of the East at the Buddhacare gym in QC over the weekend.
Behind the hot-shooting of Afril Bernardino and Gemma Miranda, the Lady Bulldogs used another torrid start to seize control then hung tough in the clutch to fashion out the four-point win and complete a two-game sweep of their title series presented by Rexona.
Bernardino, who starred in the team’s 78-50 romp in Game 1, sizzled for 23 points for NU, which will shoot for a rare four-peat in the coming UAAP season where the Lady Bulldogs are unbeaten the last three years.
The victory also atoned for NU’s two defeats to UE in the elims and during the single round semis.
“We finally got back at UE, but it was a good title series although we caught them off-guard in Game 1,” said NU coach Pat Aquino. “Despite our win, we can’t afford to relax in the UAAP. UE, I’m sure, will prepare well.”
Tournament director Horacio Lim awarded the championship trophy to the Lady Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, Air Force, drawing 27 points from veteran Cindy Resultay, clinched third place with an 82-72 win over Centro Escolar University.