NU's Camille Clarin in action against FEU in the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament, September 14, 2024 at the Araneta Coliseum. UAAP Media

MANILA -- National University overwhelmed Far Eastern University, 91-64, for its second consecutive victory in the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Bulldogs raced to a 19-7 advantage and never let up, eventually leading by 23 points against the Lady Tamaraws in the third quarter.

Cielo Pagdulagan and Camille Clarin led the charge as they built a 60-37 advantage that the Lady Tams could not overcome.

"We always ask our team to improve daily—every practice, every game. I thought we did a great job today, particularly in our free throw shooting, assists, and ball management," said NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan.

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The NU women made 13 of their 15 free throws -- an improvement from their 15-of-30 clip in their previous game. They also had 20 assists against 11 turnovers.

FEU's Congolese center Josee Kaputu made her season debut after serving a suspension in the previous game. However, her return was cut short when she injured her left knee at the 4:35 mark of the third quarter. 

The injury occurred during a rebound battle when Jainaba Konateh accidentally fell onto the back of Kaputu's knee, forcing the FEU big to exit the game. She did not return.

Clarin led the Lady Bulldogs with an all-around performance, tallying 18 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. Rookie standout Pagdulagan added 12 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Angel Surada and Tin Cayabyab contributed 11 points each.

MJ Manguiat was a bright spot for the Lady Tamaraws, scoring 26 points on seven three-pointers. 

READ: Adamson spoils Palmera-Dy's debut, takes down FEU

Kaputu, before her early exit, managed eight points and 14 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to prevent FEU from dropping to 0-2.

Up next for NU is University of the Philippines at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Big Dome. Both teams split their head-to-head last season.

FEU will continue to search for its first win under new coach Raiza Palmera Dy against the University of the East earlier in the day at 11:30 a.m.

The Scores:

NU 91 – Clarin 18, Pagdulagan 12, Surada 11, Cayabyab 11, Canuto 7, Pingol 7, Fabruada 6, Solis 5, Konateh 5, Betanio 4, Ico 3, Alterado 2, Talas 0, Pring 0.

FEU 64 – Manguiat 26, Salvani 8, Kaputu 8, Pasilang 8, Lopez 7, Nagma 3, Libor 2, Dela Torre 1, Ong 1, Villanueva 0, Paras 0.

Quarterscores: 19-7, 36-21, 60-44, 91-64