NU-UST duel boosts women’s basketball

Three thrilling action-packed games, all witnessed by huge roaring crowds.

More than the title put at stake and won by a well-deserved squad, National University (NU) and University Santo Tomas (UST) agreed that they achieved their goal of helping women’s basketball get noticed by pouring their hearts out in their best-of-three University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 finals series.

The Lady Bulldogs dethroned the Tigresses to complete their redemption tour in three grueling matches.

For NU coach Aris Dimaunahan, the rematch of two of the country’s most successful women’s varsity hoops programs has marked an increased interest from Filipino fans.

“We are all winners. We all want to show a high level of basketball. I guess that’s what our teams have, to give the crowd and our supporters a good game,” Dimaunahan said.

The mentor sees the sport gaining more track with all teams working to beef up their rosters, which in turn, develops caliber players who can become potential talents for the Gilas Pilipinas women’s program.

“Hopefully, we’ll sustain this momentum not only with the two schools, UST and us. Hopefully, all schools will raise their level of games that will also raise the level of competition in the UAAP,” Dimaunahan said after the Lady Bulldogs captured their eighth title overall.

Growling Tigresses tactician Haydee Ong shares the same sentiment.

“I think now that UST and NU have set the bar for women’s basketball, and I think all of the schools as well are doing the same thing, uplifting their women’s programs,” the former national team coach said.

“I am an advocate for women empowerment in women’s basketball. I am so happy that every season, all the teams are leveling up their skills and programs for women’s basketball.”

Also, gone are the days when the sport’s distaff side games were played in almost empty match venues.

“In 2019, you can probably count how many people were in the stands. This time, you really felt the impact of the crowd and it just goes to show that people gravitate towards the things you’re passionate about,” NU graduating star and national team standout Camille Clarin said.

“I think we’ve shown time and time again that with or without support, we’re gonna fight, we’re gonna give them a good show.”

Names like Clarin, Rookie of the Year winner Cielo Pagdulagan, Angel Surada and Karl Pingol of NU as well as UST stars Kent Pastrana, Brigette Santos, Tacky Tacatac and up-and-coming start Karylle Sierba have made their marks in a memorable series.

“I think people are finally starting to recognize that women’s basketball is just as exciting, just as competitive (as men’s),” Clarin added.

“Yeah, women’s basketball is on the rise and I’m glad that we’re right there with it, we’re leading the charge, and the next generation is really gonna feel the impact of it, and I’m so excited for them.”