By: Joaquin Cortez
Eric Altamirano knows firsthand what it takes to build a winning program at National University.
On Wednesday, however, he found himself on the opposite side of the equation as University of the Philippines stunned the NU Lady Bulldogs, 82-71, in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Fighting Maroons last defeated NU, 72-69, on October 8, 2023, handing the Lady Bulldogs their only loss of Season 86. That campaign also saw UP reach the Final Four.
After missing the postseason in the last two seasons, UP improved to 4-2 with its third consecutive victory in Season 89, pulling level with NU for a share of second place in the standings. And following the win, Altamirano emphasized the importance of respecting NU’s reputation without feeling intimidated by it.
“We know that NU is a formidable team and it’s a firepower team, but it did not get into our heads,” Altamirano said. “We approached this game thinking, yes, NU is a strong team — we want to respect them. But we don’t want to fear them.
“That’s how we played today. I have to give it to the girls; they showed poise and confidence, and they played against a formidable team like NU.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
The victory was also a significant one for Altamirano, who previously coached NU’s men’s basketball team from 2011 to 2016. During his tenure, he led the Bulldogs to their first UAAP championship in 60 years in Season 77 in 2014.
That same year marked the beginning of NU’s rise to dominance in women’s basketball under head coach Patrick Aquino. The Lady Bulldogs went on to capture six consecutive championships from 2014 to 2019.
NU later established a historic 108-game winning streak before De La Salle University ended its run with a 61-57 overtime victory in Season 85 on November 23, 2022.
Even after the streak ended, the Lady Bulldogs remained a powerhouse in the division, with University of Santo Tomas among the few teams to have beaten them in the succeeding seasons. UP’s latest triumph added the Fighting Maroons to that exclusive list.
“Compared to the time that NU really dominated, hindi pa balanse, but right now you can see, it’s anybody’s ballgame. Anyone can win anytime in the day,” Altamirano said.
“That’s good for women’s basketball, and it’s really getting there. I am blessed to be part of it.”
After last coaching in the UAAP in 2016, Altamirano returned to the league this season to lead a UP squad looking to reestablish itself among the league’s contenders.
Against NU, the Fighting Maroons had to overcome a five-point deficit in the third quarter. Kennan Ka helping bring the game to a 55-all deadlock before UP seized control and carried a 69-63 lead into the final period.
UP sustained its momentum in the fourth quarter, with Camille Nolasco knocking down a late triple to put the finishing touches on the statement victory.
Blessing Francis led the Fighting Maroons with a game-high 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field, along with eight rebounds. Louna Ozar contributed 16 points, six assists, five rebounds, and five steals, while Nolasco also finished with 16 points, three assists, and three steals.
For Nolasco, the victory carried added significance given NU’s stature in Philippine women’s basketball.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“This win really feels special po talaga for us, especially [since] NU has been one of the teams to beat po talaga in women’s basketball here in the Philippines,” Nolasco said.
“Before the game started, me and Louna, we were talking na, ‘Sana matalo natin NU.’ I’m happy na nagtuloy-tuloy lang ’yung performance namin, and we were able to get the win,” she added.
Francis, meanwhile, credited the team’s collective effort and the encouragement of the coaching staff for helping UP pull off the breakthrough win.
“Actually, it’s about the team effort and the encouragement we got from the coaches,” Francis said. “That’s what gave us the win. The confidence and encouragement we got from each other.”
Despite the statement victory, Altamirano stressed that UP still has plenty of room to improve as the team continues to build chemistry and establish its identity.
“We’re still a work in progress, pero I like the direction we’re going, and they’re getting comfortable playing with each other. We’re starting to find our identity,” he said.
The Fighting Maroons will look to close out the first round on a high note when they face defending champion UST on Sunday, October 25, at 12:00 PM at the Blue Eagle Gym.
With UP aiming to cement its place among the league’s contenders, Altamirano underscored the importance of maintaining consistency throughout the tournament.
“There’s nothing to celebrate. Maybe today, but tomorrow we have to really focus on our upcoming games,” he said.
“’Yung UAAP, we have to be consistent or it’s going to be a rollercoaster ride.”
