National University saw its seven-year reign in UAAP women’s basketball come to a heartbreaking end last season, as they suffered a come-from-behind loss to the University of Santo Tomas in a winner-take-all Game 3 of the Season 86 finals.
With that bitter memory in mind, the Lady Bulldogs are eager to reclaim their throne, and their journey is off to a fiery start.
They finished the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament with a perfect 7-0 record.
However, NU had to dig deep to complete their first-round sweep, overcoming a determined Ateneo squad – led by reigning MVP Kacey dela Rosa and Nigerian center Sarah Makanjoula – to secure a hard-fought 66-58 victory last Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Head coach Aris Dimaunahan shared that the Lady Bulldogs learned valuable lessons from their encounter with the Blue Eagles, which they plan to apply as they head into the second round.
He even described the game as their “toughest” so far this season.
“We need to come with a better mindset and stay locked in sa game plan namin. There’s no room for us na may ilang players na wala sa focus; siyempre you have to be on one page sa loob ng court.“
Dimaunahan went on, “Yung mga nasa bench, kailangan ready sila pag-pasok nila sa court para hindi iba-iba yung ginagawa namin.”
Despite their unblemished record, Dimaunahan consistently reminds his team to focus on one game at a time, emphasizing the importance of each step towards their championship goal.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“We don’t look kaagad sa dulo ng tulay. Kailangan every step of the way, tama yung hakbang namin towards doon sa goal na gusto namin mangyari,” the third-year coach stated.
Rookie standout Cielo Pagdulagan echoed Dimaunahan’s sentiment, stressing the need to stay composed and prepared for the intense physical and mental challenges of the second round.
The former NUNS star has been instrumental in NU’s first-round success, averaging 8.57 points, 5.57 rebounds, 1.43 assists, and 1.14 steals across seven games.
“Kailangan ko na makuha yung kumpiyansa ko kasi – lalo na pag second round kasi, alam ko na sobrang maghihigpit pa yung mga kalaban. Kaya talaga ina-adjust ko, mag-focus ako ng maayos – kailangan talaga physically and mentally ready,” shared the 20-year-old guard.
While there’s still room for improvement, third-year forward Tin Cayabyab remains mindful of the coaching staff’s constant reminder not to grow complacent, especially with the target on their backs after the first-round sweep.
“Marami pa kami kailangan i-adjust and, siyempre, yun nga lagi sinasabi ng mga coaches at ng mga boss namin na wag kami laging maging complacent sa lahat ng mga games namin kasi bilog ang bola and lahat sila eager na talunin kami ngayon kasi yung spot namin, nasa taas.”
The Lady Bulldogs will kick off their second-round campaign against Ateneo on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 10:00 AM at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
