Action between NU-Nazareth and De La Salle Zobel in the UAAP Season 87 Girls’ Basketball Tournament, February 20, 2025 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. UAAP Media

MANILA -- National University-Nazareth School regained its winning ways in style, cruising to a huge 117-61 demolition of De La Salle-Zobel in the UAAP Season 87 girls' basketball tournament, Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

After suffering a 69-75 setback against the University of Santo Tomas Junior Growling Tigresses last February 6, the Lady Bullpups made the most of their 14-day break to regroup and strengthen their grip on second place with a 3-1 win-loss record.

Ten of the 11 players fielded by head coach Camilla Escoto contributed to the scoring column, with 17-year-old forward Ashlyn Abong leading the charge with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, along with nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Gilas Youth guard Aubrey Lapasaran delivered an all-around performance, tallying 15 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and six steals to help NUNS replicate its dominant 86-44 first-round win over the Junior Lady Archers last January 30.

"Sabi nga namin, very important yung talo [against UST] kasi it’s a blessing because it gives us a mindset na we should be on our toes palagi. Hindi kami pwede masyadong kampante and at the same time, marami pa kami kailangan trabahuin. There are a lot of things that we need to improve pa," Escoto said postgame.

The Lady Bullpups set the tone early, racing to a 20-11 lead in the opening quarter before erupting for 33 points in the second frame to build a commanding 53-36 advantage at halftime.

They continued their onslaught in the second half, outscoring the Junior Lady Archers 37-11 in the third quarter to extend their cushion to 90-47 and effectively seal the win.

With overwhelming advantages in rebounding (65-38), assists (35-11), and steals (26-1), NUNS cruised to its third victory in four outings while maintaining an average winning margin of 64 points.

Halsry Mallari posted a double-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Rebekkah Pascua also added 15 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Marielle Avila and KJ Badajos chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.

The Lady Bullpups will look to secure back-to-back wins when they face the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles next Thursday, February 27, at the same time and venue.

On the other hand, Erica de Luna led DLSZ in the losing effort with 15 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and one steal. Princess Cordero added 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Sofia Martinez and Naima Navarro contributed 10 points each as the Junior Lady Archers dropped to a 1-3 record.

DLSZ will face another tough challenge against an undefeated UST team this Sunday, February 25, at the same time and venue.

The Scores:

NUNS (117) - Abong 17, Lapasaran 15, Mallari 15, Pascua 15, Avila 13, Badajos 12, Sales 9, Rosano 8, Trinidad 7, Katigbak 6, Aycardo 0.

DLSZ (61) - De Luna 15, Cordero 12, Martinez 10, Navarro 10, Reyes 7, Dominguez 3, Poral 3, Notarte 1, Vibanco 0.

Quarterscores: 20-11, 53-36, 90-47, 117-61.