No one stands out for the NU Lady Bulldogs in UAAP Season 87. But believe it or not, they’re taking it as an advantage.
In the world of basketball, it does teams well when they have a go-to option on offense.
But perennial UAAP women’s basketball powerhouse NU Lady Bulldogs are successfully going against that narrative in their redemption run in Season 87. Already at 5-0, the Sampaloc-based players aren’t leaning on one woman to lead the team.
During their 74-52 demolition of the Adamson Lady Falcons at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, seven NU Lady Bulldogs scored at least five points in the resounding victory that saw them run away with the game in the second half.
Though it was Angel Surada and Kristine Cayabyab who contributed on offense the most this time, it’s been a different set of players in all of their five wins.
For the two veterans, it is a testament of what they can do when they contribute as a team.
“Kasi sa'min, syempre hindi naman 'yun pinaguusapan — pakiramdaman 'yun,” Cayabyab said of knowing their role in each game.
“Kung nakikita mo 'yung isa na mainit, kunwari lagi siyang nakaka-shoot ng three points, ako magse-step up na lagi ko siyang papasahan para pantay 'yung magiging way na [makatulong kami sa team] — assist ko, score niya. 'Yun naman talaga 'yung gusto namin, manalo.”
Cayabyab finished with 11 points, joining Surada and Princess Fabruada as the three players from the Lady Bulldogs who finished in twin-digit scoring.
Surada was the top scorer with 14 markers on 6-of-8 shooting. She also had six rebounds, three assists, four steals, and a block.
Even as she emerged as Player of the Game this time, Surada said that it was the beauty of the NU team that allowed them to operate as a unit.
“Sabi nga ni Tine, kung sinong mainit, siya 'yung fini-feed namin. 'Yun po 'yung kinagandahan ng NU team. Walang superstar. Kung off ka, you can contribute pa naman sa defense. Mga ganong bagay,” Surada said.
With their eyes set on taking back the UAAP throne, none of the Lady Bulldogs were concerned with their own stats, also evidenced by skipper Camille Clarin’s nine assists, six rebounds, two steals, and one block in a scoreless game.
Trusting in their teammates, the Lady Bulldogs are only really concerned about one thing: the win.
“Hindi lang basta basta ['yung nilalaro namin], 'yung [nagpapaangatan] kami ng score.” said Cayabyab.
The Lady Bulldogs cruised to the win after a blistering second half where they outscored the Lady Falcons, 41-25.
NU guns for 6-0 when they face the rejuvenated UE Lady Warriors who recently snapped a 5-year drought in wins in the UAAP women’s basketball tournament on Saturday, September 28, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.