National University Upsets Top-Seeded UST to Lead UAAP Season 88 Women's Basketball Finals

In a captivating showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, National University, the defending champions, handed top-seeded University of Santo Tomas their first defeat in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament, winning 84-79 in the opening game of the best-of-three finals series.

The Lady Bulldogs, having battled their way through the stepladder semifinals and narrowly edging Ateneo de Manila University 67-66, are now one victory away from securing their ninth overall UAAP title.

Leading the charge, Angel Surada delivered an impressive performance with a game-high 19 points, alongside seven rebounds, three assists, five steals, and a block. Meanwhile, Marga Villanueva contributed 17 points and six rebounds, bolstering the team's offensive and defensive efforts.

This pivotal win sets the tone for what promises to be an intense finals series between two of the league's premier programs.