MANILA, Philippines — Top rookie Cielo Pagdulagan showed maturity beyond her years, playing an instrumental role in completing National University’s title redemption tour in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament. 

Pagdulagan sparked the Lady Bulldogs’ strong third quarter in Game 3 with 21 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and three assists as NU dethroned University of Santo Tomas, 78-73, in Game 3 on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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“Siyemre po super happy pero yung mga awards na nakuha ko is parang bonus lang sa akin kasi yung goal talaga namin is yung championship and binigay ko lang yung best ko and last game na namin ‘to parang inisip namin na itodo na namin kahit may masakit ok lang,” said Pagdulagan after helping the Lady Bulldogs capture their eighth championship in nine seasons.

READ: UAAP: NU holds off UST to reclaim women’s basketball title

Aris Dimaunahan praises Finals MVP Pagdulagan. #UAAPSeason87@inquirersports pic.twitter.com/kOQ5T81rE9

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) December 15, 2024

Pagdulagan was named Finals MVP award, averaging 15.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.67 assists, and 1.67 steals in the title series.

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“Masayang masaya kami kasi si Cielo nag-end up dito sa NU from high school program. I’m sure maraming kumukuha sa kanya pero pinili niya yung NU. Nakita natin kung gaano siya kagaling marami pang igagaling tong batang to. Marami pang maituturo sa batang to and proud ako sa kanya,” said Dimaunahan.

“This is just the start for her and lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya na stay humble and keep working malayo pa mararating niya.”

With Camille Clarin graduating, Pagdulagan is eager to keep improving for the Lady Bulldogs.

“Sobra po akong motivated lalo na aalis na yung mga seniors namin, kailangan po talaga magstep up lalo na maraming aalis sa seniors namin. Absorb lang ako ng absorb kung ano pa pwede kong matutunan and ano pang pwede kong maimprove sa sarili ko,” she said.