National University found itself put to the test by an upstart Ateneo de Manila University and a fiery Kacey Dela Rosa, but it was the Lady Bulldogs’ poise under pressure that ultimately sealed an 83-79 victory in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Trailing 79-75 with less than two minutes left after Gracie Batongbakal’s free throws capped a 15-0 Blue Eagles run, NU seemed on the brink of a shocking upset.
Yet, the reigning champions responded with an 8-0 run, executing their game plan to perfection and holding off Ateneo’s comeback bid.
For Lady Bulldogs point guard Aloha Betanio, the win was a matter of following head coach DA Olan’s directive to assert their place atop the standings.
“Gaya ng sabi ni Coach DA, it’s really important na pinanalo namin yung game na ito,” said the Chiang Kai Shek College alumna.
“Si Coach DA kanina sa dugout, ni-remind kami, minotivate kami (na) ‘We want to remind Ateneo kung sino yung dapat nasa top.’ Since same kami ng standings, 4-1, it’s really important na maipanalo namin to and, hopefully, itong panalo na ito maging lesson at magka-confidence since mahaba-haban pa tong season na ito.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Betanio’s performance was a mix of brilliance and vulnerability.
She recorded seven points, five rebounds, and seven assists, but also committed five turnovers — including a critical one with 15.1 seconds left that allowed Ateneo’s Sandra Villacruz to draw a foul on Tin Cayabyab.
Villacruz’s missed free throws with 9.6 seconds remaining spared NU from a potential collapse.
“I think kailangan ko talaga ng accountability,” the 22-year-old guard from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon admitted. “Besides dun sa five rebounds, seven assists, one steal, ako naman ang may pinakamaraming turnovers. Dun talaga nagkaroon talaga ng run si Ateneo nung fourth quarter — yung 15-0 run.
“It’s on me. Napabayaan ko yun. Sa akin ata yung tatlong turnovers dito sa fourth quarter. As a point guard, hindi ako dapat yung unang nagtatapon. Buti na lang kaming mga seniors, naging composed kami para mabawi yung lamang at makuha yung panalo.”
NU’s triumph was also a testament to Coach Olan’s strategic leadership. From motivating his team to maintain focus against Ateneo to guiding them through a tense final stretch, Olan has quickly earned the trust and respect of his players despite being only months into the role.
“I think daily naman siya namin siya pina-practice eh. Yung game plan ni Coach DA, sobrang nag-work talaga,” Betanio said.
“Dun pa lang sa defensive side, nagkaroon kami ng pondo dun sa first, second and third quarters, pero, yun nga, sa fourth quarter di namin siya na-maintain pero naging composed lang kami. Ginawa namin yung game plan hanggang dulo.
“Malaking bagay yun na sumusunod lang kami sa game plan ni Coach DA.”
