Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Basketball

Aris Dimaunahan calls on NU to have ‘a better mindset’ in second round


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.

UAAP-87-WBB-NU-vs.-ADMU-Tin-Cayabyab-0950 Aris Dimaunahan calls on NU to have 'a better mindset' in second round Basketball News NU UAAP  - philippine sports news

(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.

#ReadMore  Shai Del Campo glad to finally end scoring drought

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.

Written By

A dreamer from Marikina, a reporter on the sidelines




You May Also Like

Bandwagon Wire

Everything boils down to this all-important Group B showdown between the Philippines and Lebanon on Wednesday in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division A...

Bandwagon Wire

Gilas Pilipinas Women are heading to the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup with a golden opportunity to make history. A coveted spot for the...

Basketball

National University settled for a silver-medal finish in the 2025 BLIA Cup University Basketball Invitational after falling to Japan Women’s College of Physical Education,...

Basketball

Tin Cayabyab erupted for 31 points to power National University to the championship round of the 2025 BLIA Cup University Basketball Invitational, following a...

Basketball

Cielo Pagdulagan and Tin Cayabyab powered National University to a 79-65 victory over the Victoria Select Team, securing a spot in the crossover semifinals...

Basketball

Ann Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, and Cielo Pagdulagan combined for 60 points to lead National University to a dominant 83-67 victory over Shih Hsin University,...

Basketball

Despite being a champion with the University of the Philippines, Dikachi Ududo has not forgotten his roots. The 21-year-old recently sent sporting gear and...

News

Japan-bound Leo Aringo gave full credit to the National University men’s volleyball team coaches and managers for paving the way to the next chapter...

Advertisement