Manila, Oct. 22 -- Defending champion National University closed out its first round campaign in the UAAP women's basketball tournament with an 83-54 victory over University of the East on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Karl Ann Pingol finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and two assists for the Lady Bulldogs, who improved to 6-1 for second place.

Pingol scored eight points, while Angel Surada, Kristine Cayabyab and Aloha Betanio also contributed in a 19-6 run that gave NU a 41-26 halftime lead.

"We're happy with the standing of course, but for this game we had a bad start," said NU head coach Da Olan.

"It's good that we recovered in the second quarter and second half, but I hope we don't start lik...