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.
“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.
“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
UP coach Goldwin Monteverde, JD Cagulangan, and Quentin Millora-Brown share their thoughts after a statement win to open the #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/hOGbxT8xcT
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 7, 2024
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.
Francis Lopez also shone for UP with 14 points and six rebounds.
“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.
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.
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.