NU misses BLIA Cup podium after controversial loss to Fo Guang

UAAP National University fell short of a podium finish in the 2026 BLIA Cup after suffering a heartbreaking 71-69 defeat to host Fo Guang University in the third-place game on Sunday at the Kaohsiung Arena in Taiwan.

The Lady Bulldogs appeared headed for a bronze medal finish after building a 65-59 lead with five minutes remaining and maintaining control late in the contest.

Tin Cayabyab extended NU’s advantage to 69-64 with a turnaround jumper with 2:04 left, but Fo Guang mounted a dramatic comeback in the final moments.

With 25.2 seconds remaining, Ann Pingol was called for a foul while defending Lien Wenling’s three-point attempt. Replays appeared to show minimal contact, but the call stood, sending Lien to the free-throw line.

Lien converted all three attempts to cut NU’s lead to 69-68.

Fo Guang then forced a turnover through full-court pressure, allowing Chiu Chingen to hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 14 seconds left for a 71-69 advantage.

NU had a chance to force overtime, but Pingol missed a reverse layup before Cayabyab’s contested putback attempt at the buzzer also failed to fall. The Lady Bulldogs believed both plays involved contact, but no foul was called as time expired.

Cayabyab delivered another outstanding performance for NU, finishing with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists while shooting 9-of-14 from the field.

Cielo Pagdulagan and Marga Villanueva added 12 points each, with Villanueva hitting four three-pointers, while Zaydhen Rosano contributed 10 points. Pingol finished with nine points and 13 rebounds.

Despite the disappointing ending, NU enjoyed a strong tournament campaign in Taiwan. The Lady Bulldogs swept the elimination round with wins over Malaysia, National Taiwan Normal University, and York University before losing to Japan’s Tohoku Gakuin, 75-63, in the semifinals.

Fo Guang received balanced scoring in the victory, led by Lien’s 16 points. Chiu Chingen added 15, while Chiu Zihyun and Huang Yuting each scored 14. The hosts also connected on 10 three-pointers to complete the comeback and secure third place.