The heartbreak was palpable as Ateneo de Manila University coach LA Mumar entered the pressroom, the echoes of a season-ending loss still fresh in his mind.
The Blue Eagles’ UAAP Season 88 campaign ended in dramatic fashion, leaving the community reeling.
“Breaks of the game, siguro,” he said.
With the game tied at 66-all and just 0.6 seconds remaining, National University’s Ann Pingol launched a three-point attempt that clanged off the rim.
Angel Surada seized the moment, boxing out Sarah Makanjuola and drawing a foul that ultimately gave NU the edge.
Surada sank one of two free throws, handing the Lady Bulldogs a 67-66 victory and securing their 11th consecutive finals appearance at Ateneo’s expense — a finish that sparked strong reactions from Blue Eagles supporters at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
For Mumar, though, there was no time to dwell on the loss.
“We could have done better. We have to play through some stuff. We could have done a couple of things better. I’ve been in basketball since I was young. Breaks of the game, [as] some calls didn’t go our way. It’s life. Congratulations to NU, Coach DA (Olan),” expressed Mumar.
“It’s gonna be a great championship series between NU and UST so congratulations to them.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
On paper, Season 88 was already a success for Ateneo.
Ateneo’s stepladder victory over Adamson University last Sunday assured the Blue Eagles their first podium finish since their finals run in Season 78. But to have that momentum dashed by a single point, stemming from a call that could have gone either way, made the loss even more painful.
Despite the heartbreak, Mumar remained composed, though a hint of emotion surfaced when discussing the bronze medal.
“Siguro, next week I’ll be happy,” said Mumar, who fought off tears. “For today, we’re heartbroken.
“I don’t know, maybe a lot of people expected UST and NU in the finals. Maybe I’m crazy but I really thought we were gonna make the finals from the start of the season. To be one point away is heartbreaking for me and the girls. I’ll be happy next week. But yeah, I’m proud of the girls.”
Looking ahead, Mumar emphasized the consistency of the Ateneo program in recent years, noting that despite the graduation of Sandra Villacruz and Gracie Batongbacal, the Blue Eagles return next season largely intact.
“NU and UST are still the standard. But I think we’re creeping in there.
“I think we are a couple of players away. NU and UST are just really loaded from 1-15. They get the top recruits, eh. We’re not that far. I think mga dalawa, tatlong player — nandiyan na rin kami,” he vowed.
For now, the focus is on regrouping and building toward Season 89, with the hope that next year, Ateneo will not only reach the finals but finally claim its spot atop the women’s division.
