NU takes Game 1

National University (NU) scored a 70-65 win over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Game 1 of the 82nd UAAP women’s basketball finals earlier this week at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Holding to a slim 67-65 lead, Ilongga forward Kaye Pingol converted a crucial three-pointer to make it a five-point game. Kelli Hayes then snuffed out a drive by UST’s Jeorge Panti to preserve the win.
Pingol, who hails from Pototan, Iloilo, finished the match with 12 points, six rebounds, five assists, and four steals for NU; while Rhena Itesi tallied 17 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks; Hayes added 16 points, four rebounds, two steals, an assist, and a block; Mikka Cacho contributed 11 points and six rebounds.
“I just told the girls to keep on playing and don’t mind the score and they were able to do so,” said NU mentor Patrick Aquino. “I know that UST is going to come back—they’ve been great this season—but we always have to play NU basketball all 40 minutes.”/ASC, WDJ