UAAP Finals: JD Cagulangan quickly moves on from Game 2 loss

UP Fighting Maroons’ JD Cagulangan during Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals against La Salle Green Archers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines graduating guard JD Cagulangan knows it’s not over until it’s over.

UP missed the chance to close out the finals series in Game 2 for the fourth straight time after crucial misses and turnovers allowed La Salle to force a rubber match for the UAAP Season 87 crown with with a 76-75 win in front of 17,112 fans on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

But Cagulangan has no time to dwell on their heartbreaking loss, choosing to stay locked in for his final collegiate match in Game 3 on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

READ: UAAP Finals: UP star JD Cagulangan immediately shifts focus to Game 2

“I just said, it’s not over yet, there’s still Game 3. Hopefully, we win. We’ll work hard for it because it won’t be an easy match,” said an optimistic Cagulangan. “We’ll study our lapses, learn from our mistakes, and build on the good things we did.”

Cagulangan, who led UP’s charge with 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, said his strong second-half showing was just about repaying his team’s trust.

“It wasn’t totally about taking charge; it just so happened that the shots came my way to repay the trust of my teammates and coaches. So, I had to take them with confidence in myself,” Cagulangan said.

The mythical team member caught fire in the third giving the Fighting Maroons a 62-54 lead entering the final period, where he sank a big floater for a 71-63 advantage with five minutes left.

READ: UAAP Finals: La Salle beats UP in tense finish to force Game 3

However, two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao hit the big triples for La Salle, followed by four consecutive free throw misses and a costly turnover from Francis Lopez. UP had one last chance to tie the game but Gery Abadiano missed missed potential game-winning shot.

Cagulangan urged the Maroons to move forward and focus on their final chance to win the Season 87 title.

“It’s simple, just move on. I mean, don’t forget what happened in the game—study it. On to the next, Game 3,” he said.

Cagulangan, who hit an epic game-winner to rule Season 84 and beat Ateneo in overtime in Finals Game 3 two years ago, hopes to end his career with another title.