UAAP: UP dominates Ateneo in Season 87 opener

UAAP: UP dominates Ateneo in Season 87 opener

/ 10:15 PM September 07, 2024

JD Cagulangan Francis Lopez UP Fighting Maroons UAAP Season 87

JD Cagulangan, middle, and Francis Lopez, right, during a game against Ateneo in the opener of UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–University of the Philippines started the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament with a bang after dominating familiar rival Ateneo, 77-61, Saturday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

JD Cagulangan led UP with a near triple-double effort, finishing with 17 points on a 57 percent shooting clip, seven rebounds and 10 assists with two steals to boot.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I felt that we started out tight in the first half [but] when we started moving the ball around I think that we got the rhythm that we wanted and so be our confidence as a team,” UP coach Goldwin Monteverde said.

FEATURED STORIES

“We faced a challenge in the first half and after our huddle at halftime, we were told how to overcome that challenge and we responded well and controlled the game until the end,” the veteran Cagulangan said.

READ: UAAP: Harold Alarcon, UP motivated by title loss

With the Blue Eagles threatening to come back, Cagulangan made a long two-point shot off one leg to keep them at bay and re-establish a 13-point advantage, 73-60.

Article continues after this advertisement

Francis Lopez also shone for UP with 14 points and six rebounds.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I am really glad that we got the win. I would like to credit the coaches in the second half ’cause we adjusted defensively and we got away with it,” Lopez said.

“Hopefully for the upcoming games we will win, that’s it,” he added.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: UAAP Season 87 tips off with Ateneo-UP clash

UP’s victory also spoiled the awaited debut of Jared Bahay, who topscored for Ateneo with 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Playing catchup, Ateneo took a big blow after key cog Chris Koon hurt his left ankle and had to be carted off the floor late in the second quarter with the Blue Eagles trailing, 33-25.

UP also drew a solid game from rookie Quentin Millora-Brown, who hauled down 17 rebounds on top of seven points.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

The Maroons started the third quarter with a 10-2 run for their biggest lead of the game, 50-32.

UP tries to continue its winning ways next Saturday against University of the East at the same venue.

TAGS: Ateneo Blue Eagles, UAAP Season 87, UP Fighting Maroons

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.