MANILA, Philippines — The National University Lady Bulldogs have been able to rely on Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon time and time again in UAAP Season 86, as they’ve continuously produced the numbers in the elimination round.
With one more assignment left before the Final Four, the duo spoke about what contributed to their steady performances in the tournament.
According to Solomon, the secret begins even before they step into the playing venue every game day.
“Nagsa-start kasi siya sa training and aralin ‘yung kalaban na kung ano ‘yung tine-train mo, ‘yun ‘yung lumalabas sa game,” said Solomon.
“Kailangan sa training, all-out ka na para pagdating sa game, gagawin mo na lang kung ano ‘yung ginagawa mo sa practice.”
On Saturday against Adamson, she and Belen finished with 14 points each in NU’s penultimate elims match — which was also a win that assured them of at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat semis advantage.
And as the Lady Bulldogs have yet to lose in the second round, Belen pointed to a balanced team effort to continue their success into the semis and hopefully into the championship.
“Mas nadadalian kami kapag lahat kami gumagana. So lagi lang nasa mindset ng bawa't isa sa amin kung hindi man kami maka-contribute sa attacks, mag-iisip kami ng ibang paraan saan kami pwede maka-contribute,” the former MVP said.
"Kasi yung team, napapansin ko mas nadadalian kapag lahat kami kumikilos ng maayos, walang naiiwan, yung talagang alam nila yung mga roles nila. Doon kami nadadalian.”
NU will hope to lean on the services of Belen and Solomon anew when they face a streaking FEU team on Wednesday, April 24, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Belen expressed her eagerness to stop the Lady Tamaraws in their tracks before delving into semis action.
“Yung laban naman po namin is talagang nire-respeto namin yung bawa't opponent so katulad lang nung past matches namin na pag-aaralan namin sila,” she said.