Pagdulagan so young yet so good

MANILA, Philippines — National U is out to rebuild its dynasty after regaining the stronghold of 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, Pagdulagan registered 15.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.67 assists, and 1.67 steals in three games against the Santo Tomas Tigresses to anchor NU’s revenge tour with solid support from veterans Camille Clarin, Angel Surada and Karl Ann Pingol.

Super happy pero ‘yung mga award parang bonus na lang kasi ang goal eh ‘yung championship,” added Pagdulagan.

With a season-long brilliance, Pagdulagan saved her best for last, 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 showing with its lone defeat coming in Game 2, 78-68. The blemish hardly mattered now as the Lady Bulldogs owned their eighth title in nine seasons.

For 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 over Santo Tomas.