Cielo Pagdulagan — FACEBOOK.COM/WEARETHEUAAP
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (NU) is out to rebuild another dynasty after regaining the stronghold of the UAAP women’s basketball realm with a rising star at the helm.
And it’s no other than rookie Cielo Pagdulagan, who rose to the occasion in the biggest of stages and under the brightest of lights to cop the Finals Most Valuable Player plum as NU reclaimed the UAAP throne in Season 87.
A product of NU-Nazareth School, Ms. Pagdulagan registered 15.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.67 assists, and 1.67 steals in three games against the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses to anchor NU’s revenge tour with solid coverage from veterans Camille Clarin, Angel Surada and Karl Ann Pingol.
Ms. Pagdulagan, following a season-long brilliance, saved her best for last by collaring a near double-double of 21 points and nine rebounds on top of three assists and three steals in their 78-73 Game 3 win.
Overall, NU had a 15-1 campaign with its lone defeat coming in Game 2 of the finals, 78-68. A perfect run hardly mattered now as the Lady Bulldogs owned their eighth title in nine seasons.
And for head coach Aris Dimaunahan, it’s just the start of a bright future for her prized rookie who did not shy away from the herculean task of leading NU’s vengeance on Santo Tomas after ending the school’s seven-year reign last season.
The same goes for Mr. Dimaunahan and the Lady Bulldogs, who have set their sights on capturing a second straight title next season to ignite another dynasty.
“Winning gold alone is a pressure itself. I’m just satisfied and glad that we get the championship this season.” — John Bryan Ulanday