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UAAP: JD Cagulangan’s return sparks UP win over Ateneo


JD Cagulangan UP Ateneo UAAP

UP guard JD Cagulangan makes a three-pointer shot against Ateneo during the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — After missing the first four games of the University of the Philippines due to a left hamstring injury, JD Cagulangan returned to action and scored his first basket of the season — a suggestive repeat treble. remember his championship shot in the pre-final season.

Cagulangan is back as if he never left, contributing 7 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals to help. UP survives Ateneo in extra time, 76-71, during the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament in front of 12,106 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

“I feel very happy to help my team. I missed playing in UAAP. I see my teammates put in (maximum) efforts, even our coaching staff. We gave it our all and are happy (to have this win),” said Cagulangan in the Philippines after playing for almost 28 minutes.

Cagulangan buried 3 pointers on the opposite side of the pitch, where he scored his historic goal in game 3 of last season’s final five months ago and was fouled by Kai Ballungay to lead UP 15-14 at 2. :17 mark of the first quarter.

“I am used to that style of play. I always do it in practice. Although I was a bit shocked, our coaches always told me to be confident even when I was about to get injured. My timings were a bit skewed but my coaches made sure my confidence remained. I am still grateful that my teammates are always by my side,” he said.

Cagulangan enjoyed a finals-like atmosphere, facing off against their opponents, the Blue Eagles, who forced them to work overtime for the third time in a row this year as the Fighting Maroons won all three matches. .

“It feels different to face Ateneo. Lots of people are watching. I feel the atmosphere is like the final. It’s hard to compete with them. No one wants to lose and everyone plays hard,” says La Salle Greenhills product.

UP coach Goldwin Monteverde said Cagulangan was back at the most opportune time, although it wasn’t directly his plan to bring back the guard in their much-anticipated game.

“It just happened that he was ready for this match. Actually, we tried to prepare him last week, but we don’t want to force him because it could make his situation worse. At least, for today’s game, he’s really ready,” Monteverde said after his team drew National University in first place with a score of 4-1.

The other bodyguards of the Maroons, especially Terrence Fortea, stepped up in Cagulangan’s absence. Fortea’s efforts went unnoticed.

“Terrence is still learning as a point guard. He always asks for my advice. But what Terrence did in our previous three games, I’m not surprised. He’s really talented. I know he can do better and he will surpass his past performance,” Cagulangan said.

There is still a long way to go in his quest to maintain the title, and Cagulangan hopes to regain his top form soon.

“I am still at 90% of the strength and condition of the trainer and still continuing to detox. I hope I get to 100 percent soon. Because it is very difficult to play with a heavy feeling in the legs. But the good thing is that my coaches continue to push me,” he said.

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