Cielo Pagdulagan made the most of being handed the keys to the National University kingdom, delivering a Finals performance that will be remembered for years to come.
Despite being a rookie, the Lady Bulldogs entrusted their homegrown star with the responsibility of leading them, and she did so in spectacular fashion.
Pagdulagan finished as the game’s top scorer with 21 points, 10 of which came in the crucial third quarter, allowing the Lady Bulldogs to open up a 64-49 lead and ultimately secure a 78-73 victory over the dethroned UST Growling Tigresses.
For Pagdulagan, though, everything she did on the floor was driven by a desire to ensure that Camille Clarin, Princess Fabruada, and Maymay Canuto received one last shot at glory before their UAAP careers came to an end.
“Binigay ko lang talaga yung best ko,” said the NU-Nazareth School alumna, who averaged 15.33 points for the series.
“Buong lakas ko binigay ko. Lahat ng kaya kong maitulong sa team, talagang binigay ko na kasi last game na. Gusto ko umalis ang mga senior namin na champion kani and talagang di nila malilimutan yung memory na to.”
Throughout the finals series against UST, Pagdulagan showcased remarkable leadership for the Lady Bulldogs.
In Game 1, the 20-year-old Antipolo native scored the game-winning layup, helping NU draw first blood.
After a loss in Game 2, Pagdulagan shared her frustrations with her teammates during an interview with Tiebreaker Times.
It’s rare for a rookie to not only play well but also call out teammates who are more experienced.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Her words, however, reflected her fierce determination to win in her rookie year.
Now, as a champion, she looks back on the crucial team discussions that followed.
“Nag-usap kami at sinabi namin sa isa’t-isa na last game na at ito na yun,” Pagdulagan shared. “Last year, nandun na sila. Nangyari na sa kanila yung last year so alam na namin yung i-a-adjust namin.
“I’m very happy kasi walang sumuko sa amin and lahat kami binigay yung best effort namin kahit may masakit na. Ano lang, ibigay lang talaga yung best lalo na para sa seniors namin.”
In addition to securing her first UAAP title with NU, Pagdulagan distinguished herself by winning both Rookie of the Year and Finals MVP honors.
It is rare for a rookie to take home the Finals MVP award, making her achievement even more remarkable.
Despite these accolades, Pagdulagan emphasized once again that being entrusted with such honors and the leadership role ultimately meant one thing: giving her seniors the best possible ending to their collegiate careers.
“Para sa akin po, siyempre I’m happy pero bonus lang po yung mga individual awards na yan kasi yung goal namin, yung goal ko ay matulungan yung mga ate ko makuha yung championship,” said Pagdulagan.
