NU survives Malaysia scare to open Kaohsiung tourney run

UAAP National University survived a late scare from the Malaysia Select Team to escape with an 81-78 victory and open its campaign in the 2026 BLIA Cup on a winning note Wednesday at the Kaohsiung Arena in Taiwan.

The Lady Bulldogs appeared headed for a comfortable victory after building a 73-60 lead with seven minutes remaining before extending the margin to 79-72 with just 1:15 left.

Malaysia, however, mounted a spirited comeback.

Khalidah Kamaludin knocked down a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 79-76 with 47.7 seconds remaining before a National University turnover led to a layup by Tan Sin Jie, trimming the lead to just one, 79-78, with 21.6 seconds left.

With the pressure mounting, Tin Cayabyab calmly converted two free throws after drawing a foul from Kamaludin, restoring NU's cushion to three points.

The Lady Bulldogs then sealed the victory on the defensive end as Zaydhen Rosano anticipated Tan Sin Jie's inbound pass, intercepted it, and dribbled out the remaining time.

Cielo Pagdulagan led National University with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field.

Rosano added 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, and three steals, including the game-clinching steal, while Cayabyab finished with 16 points and six rebounds after making all six of her free-throw attempts. Ann Pingol chipped in nine points and eight rebounds.

Tan led the Malaysia Select Team with 16 points.

The victory gives NU a positive start as it looks to improve on last year's runner-up finish, when it fell to Japan Women's College of Physical Education in the championship game.

The Lady Bulldogs return to action Thursday against National Taiwan Normal University, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the crossover semifinals.