Two-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen rode the energy of the NU fans in attendance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in their match against UST to end round 1 of UAAP Season 87.
Defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs received a shot in the arm thanks to thousands of fans who flocked to the iconic Big Dome, catching the action of their Finals rematch against the UST Golden Tigresses to close round 1 of UAAP Season 87 on Sunday.
In a game where they were tested mightily by their title rivals, NU needed to lean on the support of their 7th man in the arena — who had to compete with an equally involved UST crowd in the thrilling five setter.
Reigning MVP Bella Belen, in particular, engaged with the crowd often during the game as she hyped up the crowd to further push herself and her teammates.
[READ: NU frustrates UST in five sets to complete first round sweep of UAAP Season 87]
Though usually one to tune out the noise, Belen said that it was the crowd's unwavering support that helped the Lady Bulldogs eke out the hard-fought victory over UST, which secured their first round sweep in the tournament.
“Hindi naman siya ganon nakakaapekto talaga samin pero dagdag lang siya… nakaka-boost siya ng energy namin. Kasi yung UST, grabe yung crowd nila kanina,” said Belen.
“I’m very thankful lang sa mga supporters namin kasi kahit na yun nga, down kami ng dalawang set, hindi namin naramdaman na naisip nila na matatalo na kami. So ganun din kami, binabalik lang namin kung ano yung supporta na binibigay samin ng NU community,” she added.
The Lady Bulldogs looked vulnerable for much of their Finals rematch against UST, when they were trailing by a set not just once, but twice.
But thanks to their unwavering belief in themselves, which was affirmed by their fans, the Lady Bulldogs were able to pull it off, with four players finishing in double figures. Alyssa Solomon had a game-high 24 markers to lead the pack.
Despite their big win, where Belen finished with a triple-double of 19 points, 17 excellent digs, and 15 excellent receptions, the Lady Bulldogs remain wary of themselves, especially after learning the hard way that there’s still a lot to improve on — especially against UST.
“Every season po kasi nagi-improve yung UST and every game actually kasi nakikita naman namin. Lalo na kanina, meron kaming mga nakita in-game na hindi namin nakita before sa mga previous games nila. So dun kami nahirapan.
Hindi kami nakapag-adjust agad,” admitted Belen.
“So ayun, siguro, kailangan i-improve din namin yung team namin and yung skills namin as individual. Kasi tingin ko meron pang kayang gawin yung team namin sa next games.”
NU will be faced with a litmus test anew when the Lady Bulldogs return for the second round as the champs are slated to face the UST Golden Tigresses again on Saturday, March 22. They will collide as the main game at the Mall of Asia Arena at 6:00 p.m.