As expected, the National University Lady Bulldogs have booked a ticket to the Final Four of the UAAP Season 78 women’s basketball tournament.
The defending champions won 11 in a row, and are already assured of a twice-to-beat advantage. The final three games no longer matter as far as record is concerned, but the Lady Bulldogs are now in the process of focusing on the little things while staying hungry for glory.
“Yung goal namin is not yet done. History in the making kung another 14-0. Yun ang motivation namin to stay hungry. Yung goal namin na makasweep ngayon and get the championship,” head coach Pat Aquino said.
Aquino added that the team already has plans should they be able to sweep the elimination round to stay in top shape heading into the finals.
“We already have plans of getting practice games coming in. We will have another team building at the start of the finals. Hopefully all those plans push through and give them enough motivation to do more.”
The coach also declared the Lady Bulldogs would not settle for anything less than a championship, and the entire team is motivated to go back-to-back.
“If they finish with a 14-0 record now, it doesn’t matter unless you win the championship. That is our main goal and we are still taking it one game at a time. The girls are raring to fulfill that goal. They tend to relax when we have a big lead. Sabi ng boss kong isa, they tend to get bored. There is one game nangyari sa amin yun,” he said.
Asked about what adjustments the girls are focusing on in the next games, Aquino emphasized defense, reminding them of an age-old adage that is still their main concern as a whole.
“But this time, the Xs and Os are more on defense. It still wins championships. [We are] making them work together [on defense] and hopefully we can polish it even more.”
