After a three-week layoff, top seed National University returned to the hardcourt, figuring in the final stage of their bid for a sixth straight title.
However, they were without one of their pillars Jack Animam. The 6-foot-5 native of Malolos, Bulacan suffered a fractured right orbital bone during Gilas Pilipinas Women’s game against South Korea during the 2019 FIBA Asia-Oceania Women’s Pre-OQT.
Last November 16, the Philippines was down 28-57 with under three minutes left in the second quarter. Animam figured in a box out situation with Hyeyoon Bae. Bae accidentally cracked Animam with a left elbow that hit the Filipina.
Animam did not return to the game and did not play in their final game against China. She was advised not to join the team’s flight back home to recover.
It caused her to miss NU’s Finals game against University of Santo Tomas, Wednesday. Still, the Lady Bulldogs made sure to dedicate the game to her.
“Sabi niya, ‘Coach, kayo na bahala dyan.’ Sabi ko naman, ‘This is for you.’
“She was really say not coming back. She’s been part of the NU five-peat and now, she’s not in the championship. She really felt bad. She wanted to play today,” shared NU head coach Patrick Aquino.
Though it’s tough to fill the shoes left by Animam, many players stepped up for NU during their 70-65 win over UST.
Rhena Itesi had 17 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks. Meanwhile, Kelli Hayes added 16 points, four rebounds, two steals, an assist, and a block.
“Of course, we missed Jack not playing with us here. We played for her. We played for NU,” said Hayes, who was also part of the national team that competed in New Zealand.
“This game is bigger than us.”
Besides Itesi and Hayes, NU also received huge contributions from Kaye Pingol (12 points, six rebounds, five assists, and four steals), and Mikka Cacho (11 points on two treys and six boards).
Though Aquino shared that they have always been ready to go to war without Animam, it is different when she is around.
And they hope that she returns to play her final collegiate game on Saturday.
“Hopefully. She’s being examined day-to-day and hopefully, she comes back before Saturday.”
