UAAP: Brand of selfless basketball key to Lady Bulldogs dynasty

By Kristel Satumbaga

Graduating players of the National University Lady Bulldogs believe the team’s legacy will continue in UAAP women’s basketball.

Monique Del Carmen, Rhena Itesi, Kaye Pingol and Kelli Hayes believe the team’s brand of basketball, not the players, was what made the squad invincible over the last six years.

“The foundation here is strong. It’s a team sport, everything is bigger than us. That’s why NU basketball is so successful;we do everything for the team. Everyone puts one another first. We’re all on the same page,” said Hayes on playing her lone year with the squad.

The Lady Bulldogs cemented their dynasty in the league on Saturday after capturing their sixth consecutive crown at the expense of the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses 66-54 in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals series.

Highlighting the title victory was their impressive 96-game winning streak dating back July 13, 2014.

Del Carmen, who bagged the Finals Most Valuable Player, said their successful program stems from not relying on one or two players.

“NU is NU. NU is not Jack (Animam), NU is not Kelli. NU is not Rhena… NU is Lady Bulldogs. Kaya wala akong doubt na hindi sila ulit matatalo next year. Kasi ganun yung naging feeling namin nung nawala yung ibang mga players, nakaya din namin. So alam kong kakayanin din nila,” she said.

The Lady Bulldogs, indeed displayed their aggressiveness in Game 2 despite the absence of injured Jack Animam with everybody contributing a little of everything.

Del Carmen and Pingol had 15 points each, Itesi scored 12, and Hayes had nine.

It’s still the same euphoric feeling of winning the title for NU coach Pat Aquino.

“It’s not as different as the previous championships. It’s just different players, but same attitude, same goal. I think that’s what make this team as successful as the previous teams,” he said.

Source: Manila Bulletin