NU Lady Bulldogs bag silver in Taiwan meet; GMC finishes fourth
At A Glance
- National University mustered all its strength in the fourth quarter but Japan Women's College of Physical Education simply had the momentum to deny the Filipinas dribblers with a 77-68 win in the women's final of 2025 BLIA Cup University Basketball Invitational Sunday, July 6.
NU Lady Bulldogs (BLIA Cup)
National University mustered all its strength in the fourth quarter but Japan Women’s College of Physical Education simply had the momentum to deny the Filipinas dribblers with a 77-68 win in the women’s final of 2025 BLIA Cup University Basketball Invitational Sunday, July 6.
Playing at the Fengshan Sports Arena in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the Lady Bulldogs overcame a shaky start but saw the Japanese team imposing its might in the fourth to secure the game and the championship.
It was the only loss of the reigning UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball champion after sweeping its Pool B assignments. The Aris Dimaunahan-guided squad also honored its late player Ashlyn Abong by bringing her jersey during its stint.
Last year’s Finals MVP Cielo Pagdulagan spearheaded NU with 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block, while Marylene Solis also added 13 points.
Tin Cayabyab, for her part, was held to 11 points with six rebounds and three assists after her 31-point explosion over local school Fo Guang University, 89–76, in the semifinal.
On the other side, Nari Umemura headlined the Japanese team as she posted 24 points, six rebounds, two steals, and five assists. Hyori Shimoi, Runa Kumate and Hibiki Kanno backstopped her with 18, 13, and 10 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines went home winless as it bowed to Shih Hsin University, 90-85.
In the men's division, Guang Ming College settled for fourth place after a 90-97 defeat to Malaysia Selection Team in 3-4 classification round.
Reinforced by some of the residency players from the UP Fighting Maroons, James Payosing starred for GMC with 21 points, while Veejay Pre hauled 11 rebounds in a losing effort.
Rainer Maga and Russell Ogana played as well for the Flying Dragons.