Despite her brilliance, Jaja Santiago admitted she didn’t expect to be named MVP in the UAAP Season 80.
Santiago, the National University star, had a different bet in mind.
“I really thought Pons would be this season’s MVP,” said Santiago in Filipino, referring to Bernadeth Pons of Far Eastern University.
“We saw how she carried her team all the way to the finals. She had a lot of contributions and effort for her team,” added Santiago, who helped the Foton Tornadoes bag third place in the 2018 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix Tuesday.
READ: Pascua: Pons deserves to win UAAP MVP
Behind Pons, FEU returned to the UAAP Finals for the first time since Season 71.
The 6-foot-5 Santiago also didn’t want to bask in the glory alone as she shared the MVP to her teammates.
“The MVP is the entire NU. It’s a team effort. My teammates helped me get that award and I give the credit to them,” Santiago, who scored 23 points, said.
READ: Jaja Santiago ends UAAP career on a high note with MVP plum
Santiago led NU back to the Final Four, though, she would’ve wanted to end her UAAP career by towing her team to the finals.
“Of course I am disappointed. We made it to the Final Four but our goal was to really make the finals and win the championship. But I still believe in my teammates that they will improve next season.”