NU's Cielo Pagdulagan in action against Adamson in the UAAP Season 89 women's basketball tournament, September 30, 2026 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media
MANILA — Cielo Pagdulagan made a triumphant return to UAAP action as National University overpowered Adamson University, 71-51, in their first game of the Season 89 women's basketball tournament on Wednesday.
Pagdulagan, the Season 87 Rookie of the Year and Finals Most Valuable Player, missed the Lady Bulldogs' title defense last year due to illness.
National U would go on to cede the throne to modern-day rival University of Santo Tomas.
"Sobrang laking bagay si Cielo. We’re so happy that she’s finally back and playing. Very happy kami first of all na healthy na siya and now very thankful kami na she’s fit to play," said second-year NU head coach DA Olan.
The 22-year-old Pagdulagan marked her return with a 17-point performance.
"Last year po kasi, sobrang nalungkot ako," she said. "Mahirap manood lang habang nakikita mo yung teammates mo na lumalaban."
The Lady Bulldogs recovered from a slow start, drilling three straight triples to build their first double-digit lead, 23-12, with 6:37 left in the second quarter.
NU led by as many as 22 points, but Adamson mounted a comeback in the third quarter.
The Lady Falcons’ defensive intensity limited the Lady Bulldogs to just five points in the first 5:22 of the second half, allowing Adamson to cut the deficit to 12, 46-34.
NU quickly regained its composure in the final period and preserved its double-digit advantage, with Pagdulagan’s layup helping put the game away for the Lady Bulldogs.
The Lady Falcons were held to just four points in the final four minutes of the contest.
Marga Villanueva added 14 points, while Aloha Betanio contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and two steals for NU.
The Lady Bulldogs capitalized on Adamson’s 18 turnovers, converting them into 17 points. NU’s bench also outscored Adamson’s, 19-2.
Cheska Apag paced Adamson with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
Elaine Etang also scored 11 points, while Kemi Adeshina posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lady Falcons will next face the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10:00 a.m., while the Lady Bulldogs will take on Ateneo de Manila University on the same day at 12:00 p.m.
Both games will be held at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Scores:
NU 71 - Pagdulagan 17, Villanueva 14, Betanio 10, Lapasaran 7, Rosano 6, Cayabyab 2, Alba 2, Alterado 0, Garcia 0, Ico 0.
AdU 51 - Apag 11, Etang 11, Adeshina 10, Burgos 7, Limbago 4, Meniano 4, Munoz 2, Mazo 2, Bajo 0, Medina 0, Manlimos 0, Carcallas 0, Alaba 0, Villaester 0, Tano 0.
Quarterscores: 12-8, 40-20, 50-36, 71-51.