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After suffering twin losses for the first time this season, the UP Fighting Maroons rediscover their groove and end the hard-fighting FEU Tamaraws’ campaign
MANILA, Philippines – The UP Fighting Maroons snapped a two-game skid after pulling off a close 86-78 win against a feisty FEU Tamaraws side on Saturday, November 16, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
UP (10-3), already heading to the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Final Four as the second seed, eliminated a rookie-laden FEU Tamaraws squad that finished its campaign with a 5-9 record.
JD Cagulangan, who labored in converting field goals, scored 9 of the Maroons’ last 11 points, starred in the end game, including a dagger three-pointer with 27.6 seconds left to give UP an 84-78 lead.
The stepback three was very reminiscent to the championship-sealing jumper he canned against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 84 finals.
“I felt the trust of my teammates during [the three-point attempt], whether it was going in or not,” Cagulangan said as the Maroons rediscovered their groove after a stunning 20-point loss to the NU Bulldogs and another double-digit setback to the La Salle Green Archers
Before Cagulangan put the finishing touches, Gerry Abadiano was scintillating throughout the game, knocking down six three pointers en route to a game-high 19 points.
“Every time that there’s a game that you need to battle it out until the end, it makes you proud as a coach,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
On the other hand, Jorick Bautista paced FEU’s offense with 16 points, while rookie Janrey Pasaol added 15 markers, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
The frontcourt rookie tandem of Veejay Pre and Mo Konateh combined for 26 points and 24 rebounds.
Royce Alforque, who has exhausted his five playing years with the Tamaraws, wrapped up his career with 9 points.
UP will close its eliminations stint against the Final Four-seeking UE Red Warriors on Wednesday, November 20, at the same venue.
The Scores
UP 86 – Abadiano 19, Cagulangan 12, Lopez 12, Torculas 11, Torres 7, Millora-Brown 7, Fortea 6, Felicilda 3, Alarcon 3, Bayla 2, Stevens 2, Belmonte 2, Briones 0, Ududo 0.
FEU 78 – Bautista 16, Pasaol 16, Pre 16, Konateh 11, Alforque 9, Montemayor 7, Daa 3, Ona 2, Bagunu 0.
Quarters: 22-16, 42-39, 67-62, 86-78.
– Rappler.com
