JD Cagulangan, center, and Francis Lopez, proper, throughout a sport in opposition to Ateneo within the opener of UAAP Season 87 males’s basketball event.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines–College of the Philippines began the UAAP Season 87 males’s basketball event with a bang after dominating acquainted rival Ateneo, 77-61, Saturday night time at Sensible Araneta Coliseum in Quezon Metropolis.
JD Cagulangan led UP with a close to triple-double effort, ending with 17 factors on a 57 % taking pictures clip, seven rebounds and 10 assists with two steals besides.
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“I felt that we began out tight within the first half [but] once we began transferring the ball round I believe that we acquired the rhythm that we wished and so be our confidence as a workforce,” UP coach Goldwin Monteverde stated.
“We confronted a problem within the first half and after our huddle at halftime, we have been advised overcome that problem and we responded effectively and managed the sport till the top,” the veteran Cagulangan stated.
READ: UAAP: Harold Alarcon, UP motivated by title loss
UP coach Goldwin Monteverde, JD Cagulangan, and Quentin Millora-Brown share their ideas after an announcement win to open the #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/hOGbxT8xcT
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 7, 2024
With the Blue Eagles threatening to return again, Cagulangan made an extended two-point shot off one leg to maintain them at bay and re-establish a 13-point benefit, 73-60.
Francis Lopez additionally shone for UP with 14 factors and 6 rebounds.
“I’m actually glad that we acquired the win. I wish to credit score the coaches within the second half ’trigger we adjusted defensively and we acquired away with it,” Lopez stated.
“Hopefully for the upcoming video games we are going to win, that’s it,” he added.
READ: UAAP Season 87 suggestions off with Ateneo-UP conflict
UP’s victory additionally spoiled the awaited debut of Jared Bahay, who topscored for Ateneo with 13 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Taking part in catchup, Ateneo took an enormous blow after key cog Chris Koon damage his left ankle and needed to be carted off the ground late within the second quarter with the Blue Eagles trailing, 33-25.
UP additionally drew a stable sport from rookie Quentin Millora-Brown, who hauled down 17 rebounds on prime of seven factors.
The Maroons began the third quarter with a 10-2 run for his or her largest lead of the sport, 50-32.
UP tries to proceed its profitable methods subsequent Saturday in opposition to College of the East on the identical venue.