NU completes BLIA Cup sweep, earns semifinal berth

UAAP National University secured the top seed in the 2026 BLIA Cup semifinals after completing a perfect run in Pool B with an 81-76 victory over York University on Friday at the Kaohsiung Arena in Taiwan.

The Lady Bulldogs finished the group stage undefeated and will face Japan's Tohoku Gakuin University in the knockout semifinals on Saturday.

NU found itself in a tight battle against York, trailing 74-72 before Tin Cayabyab delivered the go-ahead play with a crucial and-one basket with 2:56 remaining.

Cayabyab then stayed composed in the closing minutes, converting important free throws to preserve the victory and complete NU's sweep of the preliminary round.

She finished with 12 points while shooting six-of-seven from the free-throw line.

Cielo Pagdulagan led the Lady Bulldogs with 17 points, while Ann Pingol contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Aloha Betanio also added 12 points, including two three-pointers, as NU maintained control of the contest.

York, which ended the group stage without a win, was led by Chantelle Sturt with 17 points and nine rebounds. Gabriella Di Pietro added 14 points, while Ella Okubasu finished with 10.

NU opened the tournament with an 81-78 win over the Malaysia Select Team before defeating National Taiwan Normal University, 79-66, to secure its place atop Pool B.