MANILA, Philippines – When National University sealed its 100th straight victory in the UAAP women’s basketball tournament, it meant more than just a historic number. 

For the Lady Bulldogs, the record streak also meant breaking barriers and seeing how it changed the landscape in their sport.

“Before, there was nothing [for women’s basketball], and ladies would have to scavenge for opportunities just to get on the floor, get on the gym just to be recognized because nobody watches them,” said NU star Camille Clarin. 

The phenomenal run, indeed, made people take notice of not just the Lady Bulldogs but also women’s basketball in the Philippines. 

“It just goes to show that once you push the culture forward, people would start to follow, and people would start to notice,” said Clarin. “Everything follows after that.”

NU claimed its 100th straight win in the league with a dominant 79-44 triumph over the University of the Philippines on October 12.

The Lady Bulldogs have been untouchable since July 12, 2014, and figured in only a handful of tight contests during the stretch of their epic 3,014-day streak.

They were totally in another level, beating Far Eastern University 16 times; Ateneo, University of the East, and UST 15 times; La Salle 14 times; UP 13 times; and Adamson 12 times.

Although heavily favored to secure the milestone win, the Lady Bulldogs said they also had to stay grounded, reminding themselves that they’ve also just kicked off their campaign in Season 85.

“The night before our game [against UP] we were really excited to execute our game plan,” said NU senior Mikka Cacho.

“We were all eager, excited, and happy, especially after seeing an article that we’re about to go 100-0. But in the back of our minds, we’re still at 4-0 because the tournament is just starting and we still have a long way to go.”

It was also important for them to pay tribute to the main architect of the solid NU women’s basketball program – Patrick Aquino, the former Lady Bulldogs coach who accounted for their 96 wins. 

“As an assistant to coach Pat, I learned a lot from him in coaching. It’s always humbling to step into the plate that coach Pat started,” said current NU mentor Aris Dimaunahan.

“[They’re] really big shoes to fill considering what he started and established with the program and the recruitment.”

For the NU Lady Bulldogs, of course, there’s no stopping now as they head back to work and make more history. – Jaslyn dela Cuesta/Rappler.com