When the dust settled and the University of Santo Tomas reclaimed the UAAP Women’s Basketball crown against National University, an unprecedented display of sportsmanship followed between the two premier programs.
The Growling Tigresses, lined up in front of the Lady Bulldogs, bowed and exchanged hugs after a hard-fought three-game series — marking the third straight season these teams clashed in the Finals.
The rivalry trilogy began in Season 86 when UST toppled NU’s dynasty, ending the Lady Bulldogs’ seven-season reign with an improbable fourth-quarter comeback in Game 3 led by UST legend Tantoy Ferrer and Nikki Villasin.
NU, the program that once won 108 straight games and went undefeated in the UAAP for nine years, reclaimed the title in Season 87 behind Rookie of the Year and Finals MVP Cielo Pagdulagan, alongside Camille Clarin and Angel Surada.
In the deciding game of that season, the UST-NU rivalry was cemented for years to come. Pagdulagan poured in 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Tigresses rookie Karylle Sierba responded with 20 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Pagdulagan, however, missed the entire Season 88 due to illness.
During the postgame pleasantries, the two high-scoring guards shared a brief, heartfelt exchange.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Sabi ko nga kanina kay Cielo magpagaling siya dahil mahirap yung sitwasyon niya ngayon. Hopefully, makabalik siya. Lagi naman namin pinagpe-pray yan si Cielo na maging okay siya,” Sierba shared about their interaction.
Sierba and Pagdulagan have been rivals on the court since high school, representing the same programs they still play for today. Off the court, they have also been long-time friends, united by basketball.
NU took Game 1 of the Season 88 Finals, handing UST its first defeat of the year, 84-79. But the Growling Tigresses fought back in Game 2 with a dominant 95-70 victory, then sealed the championship on Sunday in front of an electric crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, 79-64.
“Namiss ko lang siya makalaro ngayon,” Sierba said of Pagdulagan.
Time, however, is on the side of the rivals, with three more years left in their eligibility — three more seasons to elevate women’s basketball, three more seasons of pure scoring, and three more seasons of pure sportsmanship.
NU head coach DA Olan shared encouraging news after the decisive Game 3: Pagdulagan has been cleared by doctors to return to basketball activities.
“Cielo Pagdulagan is finally cleared, that’s good news for us. She was cleared sa kaniyang illness. She’s finally cleared by the doctor. The team will be welcoming her back, for sure, next year,” Olan said.
A trilogy for the ages.
And with Sierba and Pagdulagan now more mature, experienced, and well-rounded, it seems unlikely this rivalry will head to a fourth consecutive Finals showdown.
#WATCH: ALWAYS IN HER PRAYERS
Karylle Sierba 🐯 hopes to see forever rival Cielo Pagdulagan 🐶 can return stronger than ever come #UAAPSeason89 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/UnLOEgP3M0
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/gTC3gAQnuZ
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 14, 2025
