The future is now.
Rookie Cielo Pagdulagan has received the keys to the National University kingdom, earning the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Finals Most Valuable Player award.
The 20-year-old out of NU Nazareth School led the Lady Bulldogs in their title-clinching 78-73 victory over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses in Game 3.
The Rookie of the Year averaged 15.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.67 assists, and 1.67 steals in the championship series.
“Super happy pero yung mga awards naman na nakuha ko, bonus lang sa akin. Kasi ang goal naman talaga namin ay ‘yung championship,” said Pagdulagan, a champion once more after two 3×3 titles in the high school division.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Pagdulagan tallied 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals in the clincher that gave the title back to NU after losing it to UST last year.
The two-time UAAP High School Girls’ 3×3 MVP became the first rookie to cop Finals MVP honors since her teammate Tin Cayabyab did so back in Season 85 (2022).
NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan expressed his satisfaction with how Pagdulagan chose to be a Lady Bulldog after her high school years.
“Masayang-masaya kami kasi si Cielo nag-stay sa NU program. Proud ako sa kanya kasi kahit ganyan siya ka-talented, willing siya i-absorb lahat ng tinuturo sa kanya,” said Dimaunahan.
“I’m just glad na sa amin siya napunta. Tinulungan niya kami big time sa season na ito.”
