For the first time in seven years, the University of the Philippines Women’s Basketball Team is on a roll.
After a dismal start of the season which saw them lose to De La Salle University, the Lady Maroons sealed back-to-back wins at the expense of Adamson University and Far Eastern University.
However, starting a winning streak is one thing, and maintaining it is another and the Diliman-based cagers are going to face six-time defending champions National University – which is seeking its 100th consecutive win in the UAAP.
The game will be on Wednesday at UST’s Quadricentennial Pavillion.
“I feel that entering that momentous event for NU, for us, there’s always a first time,” said UP head coach Paul Ramos. “We wouldn’t be on their side celebrating. Obviously, we want to break that record.
“We’re not gonna enter the court celebrating for them. We will try our best, improve, and get better.”
The task is daunting. While the Lady Bulldogs are conquering all those who stand before them, the Fighting Maroons are in the process of forming a winning culture.
Years of mediocrity have made the UP program stagnant and it is only now that momentum is being built.
Nevertheless, the ball is always round and State U will look to spoil the party.
“During that game, if we put ourselves in an opportunity to win, dikit, we’ll get it,” said Ramos.
“Walang masama kung maka puwing kami diba? Wala namang masama dun.”
“But we know the reality that they’re a powerhouse so we cannot just joke around na makakapuwing tayo.”
The last time NU lost was during the third game of its finals series against DLSU back in Season 76.
The world was such a different place back. The Philippines was still under the presidency of Noynoy Aquino and COVID-19 was not a global epidemic.
Everyone will be expecting the Lady Bulldogs to coast to a wire-to-wire victory over the Fighting Maroons, but Ramos and his team are not gonna throw in the white towel easily.
“We have to play our ‘A’ game in order for us to be in a position to win, not win the game but be in a position to win a ball game,” he said.
“It’s a big mindset but again, every game, we’re just happy that we’re gaining momentum.”
