UAAP: Forthsky Padrigao relishes final battle vs JD Cagulangan

UST Growling Tigers’ Forthsky Padrigao during a UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Final Four match against UP Fighting Maroons. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—In their last head-to-head battle at the collegiate level, University of the Philippines’ JD Cagulangan got the last laugh over University of Santo Tomas star guard Forthsky Padrigao.

The graduating Cagulangan got the better of Padrigao in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Final Four as UP gave UST the boot, 78-69, to sow up a return to the Finals.

“I’ve faced Maymay (Cagulangan) ever since high school so I’m already used to facing him and I really enjoy our matchup because I really respect him,” said the shifty guard in an interview with Inquirer Sports.

READ: New UST star Forthsky Padrigao is a point—not points—guard

“I really respect him with how he brings his team, himself and his impact on the game. I just try to enjoy those types of matchups without making it personal because it’s a team sport. I think of my teammates first but it’s fun battling with Maymay.”

Cagulangan played better than the former Ateneo standout with an all-around game of six points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and a dagger triple that kept UST at bay in the dying seconds of the game.

Padrigao, meanwhile, was ejected from the game in the fourth quarter due to two infractions of unsportsmanlike fouls. He still, however, contributed seven points and three assists before being thrown out of the match.

READ: UAAP: Forthsky Padrigao hopes to help UST build winning culture

Unfortunately, Padrigao won’t get his revenge over Cagulangan-–even in another jersey.

Cagulangan hit a game-winner over Ateneo in Game 3 of the Season 84 Finals to end a 36-year drought. In Season 85, Padrigao led the Blue Eagles to the title over Cagulangan and the Fighting Maroons.w.

What Padrigao can do, though, is help UST beat UP  should they meet again in the Final FOur.

“Every time you face UP, you really need motivation, whether it’s personal or what because they’re a really strong team so you can’t motivate yourself enough to do good and play well. If you don’t, you’re not doing your job,” Padrigao said.