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

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

MANILA, Philippines—After missing University of the Philippines’ first four games due to a left hamstring injury, JD Cagulangan returned to action and scored his first basket of the season—a step-back triple reminiscent of his title-clinching shot in last season’s finals.

Cagulangan came back like he never left, contributing seven points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals to help UP survive Ateneo in overtime, 76-71, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament in front of 12,106 fans at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

“It feels good to help my team. I missed playing in the UAAP. I saw my teammates exert (maximum) effort, even our coaching staff. We gave our all and we’re happy (to get this win),” said Cagulangan in Filipino after playing close to 28 minutes.

Cagulangan buried the 3-pointer on the opposite side of the court where he nailed his history-making shot in Game 3 of last season’s finals five months ago and got fouled by Kai Ballungay to give UP a 15-14 lead at the 2:17 mark of the first quarter.

“I got used to that play. I always do it in practice. Although I was a bit shocked, our coaches always tell me to stay confident even I’m coming off an injury. My timing was a bit off but my coaches made sure that my confidence is still there. I’m still thankful that my teammates are always there for me,” he said.

Cagulangan enjoyed the finals-like atmosphere, going up against their rivals, Blue Eagles, who forced them to overtime for the third straight time this year where the Fighting Maroons emerged victorious in all three instances.

“It feels different to face Ateneo. A lot of people are watching. I felt the same atmosphere as the finals. It’s tough to compete against them. Nobody wants to lose and everyone is playing their hearts out,” said the La Salle Greenhills product.

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

“It just happened that he’s ready for this game. Actually, we were trying to get him ready last week, but we didn’t want to force it because it could worsen his situation. At least, for today’s game, he’s really ready,” Monteverde said after his squad tied National University in first place with a 4-1 slate.

The Maroons’ other guards, particularly Terrence Fortea, have stepped up in the absence of Cagulangan. Fortea’s efforts didn’t go 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 wasn’t surprised. He’s really talented. I know he can do better and he will surpass his past performance,” Cagulangan said.

With still a long way to go in their title-retention bid, Cagulangan hopes to regain his top form sooner than later.

“I’m still at 90 percent according to our strength and conditioning coach and still continuing my rehab. I hope I will reach 100 percent soon. Because it’s hard to play with a heavy feeling on my leg. But good thing my coaches keep on pushing me,” he said.