CALATAGAN, BATANGAS — The three-time UAAP 3×3 women’s basketball defending champion, National University, still has its roster of Angel Surada, Tin Cayabyab, and Ann Pingol intact except for Camille Clarin.
In her first foray into the three-a-side game, Aloha Betanio took the spot of Clarin, who is preparing with Gilas Pilipinas women for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
Betanio admitted that the pressure is high trying to replace Clarin, one of the young and brightest players of the Philippines in the women’s side.
“Syempre malaking pressure po yun sa akin. Actually, isang gabi yata hindi ako makatulog kakaisip sa 3×3 na ito kasi hindi ko naman akalain na sa dami ng players ng NU ako ipapalit kay Ate CC,” said Betanio after NU’s 21-10 victory over Ateneo de Manila University on Thursday morning to sweep the group stage.
“Malaking pressure talaga lalo na Camille Clarin yun eh, sino ba namang mag-aakala diba?”
But she has been effective in all three games against De La Salle University, University of the East, and the Blue Eagles. Betanio collected 14 points and 16 rebounds after the elimination round, providing the much-needed outside shooting for the Lady Bulldogs.
“Syempre kabado pero alam ko naman ginagawa ko yung trabaho ko. Iniwan ko yung kaba sa labas ng court. Pagpasok ng court talagang pinapagpag ko na siya para makagawa ako nang maayos,” said the 5-foot-4 guard on her mindset.
Her teammates have made her adjustment to the 3×3 game seamless, guiding her every step of the way. Betanio was also boosted by Clarin, who made sure to give her advice.
“Si Ate CC hindi niya ako pinapabayaan. Nagbibigay din siya ng advice. Lagi nila akong ginagabayan as a rookie dito sa 3×3,” shared Betanio, a product of Chiang Kai Shek High School.
“Sabi ni Ate CC, gawin ko lang yung trabaho ko, huwag ko lang isipin na siya yung pinalitan ko. Kumbaga, ilaro ko lang yung laro ko, and kung ano yung maitutulong ko sa team para madefend namin yung crown.”
The Lady Bulldogs have yet to be beaten in the sport’s history in the league, with their winning streak already at 25 games.
NU will face Adamson University in the crossover semifinals later in the day.
