National University and University of the Philippines’ clash on Saturday in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament promises to be another exciting game between both schools.
Back in the first round, the Fighting Maroons edged past the seven-time defending champions 72-69 last October 8.
It was the first time UP defeated NU since Season 74, and it declared the Fighting Maroons as a contender for NU’s crown.
This time, the stakes are higher for UP. The Fighting Maroons are still chasing a playoff incentive in the Final Four.
“It’s more challenging and we are hungry to beat them,” said UP rookie guard Louna Ozar.
“It’s a challenge to beat them. I think we just need to be aggressive and stay together. I think by staying together, we can beat them.”
However, the Lady Bulldogs are not just going to lie down and lose even if they secured that incentive already.
They are on a 10-game winning streak ever since that loss to the Fighting Maroons, and they seek to extend it further heading into the semifinals.
Pride will also be at stake for NU. The Lady Bulldogs will want to redeem themselves against the Fighting Maroons and show that their first-round defeat was nothing more but a one-off.
“I think every game has been an opportunity to be better. We need to raise the pressure and raise the level of play that we bring each game, especially moving forward to the playoffs,” said NU’s third-year winger Camille Clarin.
“I think a big part of that is relying on each other (and) trusting in each other. I think we’ve been doing that better but the ceiling is still meant to be broken.”
The clash between UP and NU will feature players who have suited up for the Gilas Women’s team. These include the likes of Ozar, Clarin, Stef Berbarabe, and Angel Surada.
Despite that fact, they are focused on UAAP duty and not on the connections they have made while on international duty.
“Even if some are on the national team, we’ll just play. I just play and it’s more challenging,” said Ozar.
“I think that first-round loss against UP was not the best representation of us as a team. Regardless of the matchup, I’m just excited to play against a team that’s well coached with talented players because that brings out the best from us and hopefully it’s a great game,” said Clarin.
