Action between UST and NU in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament, November 6, 2024 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media
MANILA -- University of Santo Tomas will have to overcome an unbeaten National University squad if it hopes to defend its championship in the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball Finals.
Game 1 of the best-of-3 series is set for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Bulldogs gained an outright passage to the best-of-three championship series after going 14-0 in the eliminations against the Tigresses, who hurdled a do-or-die match versus Adamson in the stepladder phase to advance to the finals.
NU coach Aris Dimaunahan has tried to keep his troops sharp during the long break going to Game 1.
"I think our commitment to getting a chance to bounce back this year, I think that's an added motivation for us to really stay locked in and really work on our game in preparation for the championship na napuntahan namin ngayon," Dimaunahan said.
Angel Surada and Camille Clarin have been the glue that stuck the Lady Bulldogs together, and the seven-time champions boast of foreign student-athlete Jainaba Konateh who can dominate the paint.
"Again, we have to work harder, together. Sa NU, dehado kami sa height so we have to work harder talaga sa loob," said UST coach Haydee Ong.
READ: UST women avert meltdown against Adamson, set up Finals rematch with NU
READ: NU women complete elims sweep, barge into Finals
Do-it-all Kent Pastrana will be the Tigresses' heart and soul as they shoot for a second straight title and 13th overall.
In the junior high school division, second-seeded Far Eastern University-Diliman and University of Santo Tomas clash for the last finals spot in the division.
University of the East is awaiting the winner of the battle between FEU-D and UST after dethroning reigning champion National University Nazareth School, 85-64, last Wednesday.
The Baby Tamaraws had a chance to enter the championship round, but the Tiger Cubs disarmed them of their twice-to-beat advantage, 84-75, to force a rubber match for a spot in the finals.
"Adjust pa rin kami. Balik sa training, balik sa viewing para makapagprepare lahat. Same as nung prinepare namin nung first game, adjustment doon sa game ng FEU kasi magaadjust din sila. Magaadjust din kami para makapasok ng finals," UST head coach Noli Mejos said.
The Tiger Cubs will shoot for their first-ever finals appearance in the division, while the Baby Tamaraws look to return to the finals after a runner-up finish in the inaugural season early this year.