All eyes are on the University of Santo Tomas lately, as the Growling Tigresses remain undefeated through nine games in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
But here come the defending champions — the National University Lady Bulldogs.
NU dominated the De La Salle Lady Archers, 97-67, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in what head coach DA Olan described as probably their best game of the season.
The first-year head coach pointed out the Lady Bulldogs’ conscious effort to share the ball against La Salle, resulting in 37 assists. Ann Pingol led the way with 11 dimes to go with her 12 points, 11 rebounds, and six steals — an impressive triple-double performance.
Now assured of their 11th straight Final Four appearance, Olan wants his team to switch into playoff mode.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“I just challenged the team na, let’s level up, na ang mindset natin ngayon is yes, if we win this ninth game, we’ll be in the Final Four again,” shared Olan after his squad improved to 9-1.
“So sabi ko sa kanila, it’s like playoff mode already. So yun, happy na happy ako dahil we really responded well. I think ito yung isa sa mga probably best game namin.”
Led by the experienced trio of Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, and Angel Surada — and backed by the likes of Aloha Betanio and Marga Villanueva — the Lady Bulldogs feel determined to defend the crown they reclaimed after losing it to UST in Season 86.
And while some continue to doubt Olan’s capability in his first year as head coach, Pingol and the rest of the NU women’s team have placed their full trust in him, knowing he has long been part of their journey even before assuming the top role.
“Siyempre, we’re happy na Final Four na rin kami sa wakas. And siyempre, isa lang pa rin yung goal namin is ma-defend namin yung championship. And kahit first, hindi naman ito first time ni Coach DA, first time niya lang mag-head coach as head coach,” said Pingol.
“Pero hindi naman ito bago sa kanya. And may tiwala kami sa kanya and sa system niya kung paano niya ilalatag sa amin yan.”
