From leading La Salle Green Hills to its first NCAA juniors basketball crown to playing pivotal roles for University of the Philippines and De La Salle University in their quest for UAAP glory, fate has brought JD Cagulangan and Joshua David together once again—this time for one final showdown in Game Three of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Finals.
The two former Greenies, whose emotional moment during Game One—where Cagulangan was seen helping an injured David off the court—went viral, spoke about their pride and happiness for each other despite the fierce battles on opposite sides.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Malungkot na masaya kasi siyempre me, personally, gusto ko manalo (at) siya gusto niya manalo. Since may Game Three, ma-e-extend yung laro namin,” shared Cagulangan, who has been a key player for the Fighting Maroons, averaging 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists across the first two finals games.
David echoed the sentiment, reflecting on their shared journey: “Siyempre sobrang blessed din na makalaro kami sa ganitong level knowing na magkakampi kami sa high school.
“Sobrang saya ko lang din para sa kanya kasi grabe din yung pinapakita niya ngayon. Pareho naman kaming masaya sa isa’t-isa kung nasaan kami ngayon at suportahan lang kami.”
David has been a solid presence for the Green Archers, contributing an average of 2.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in the series so far.
Game Two was a tale of heartbreak and triumph for the former teammates.
For UP and Cagulangan, it was a game that slipped away. For La Salle and David, it was a fight to stay alive.
The Fighting Maroons looked poised to close out the series after Harold Alarcon’s basket gave them a 64-55 lead early in the fourth quarter.
But the Green Archers, powered by back-to-back MVP Kevin Quiambao, mounted a stunning comeback.
Quiambao either scored or assisted on La Salle’s final eight points, including two clutch three-pointers that proved decisive.
The Fighting Maroons were also plagued by costly errors, including missed free throws and turnovers from Francis Lopez, allowing La Salle to force a winner-take-all Game Three.
“Napag-usapan namin na papanoorin namin yung game, yung lapses namin. Yun lang. Babalik sa ensayo and try to learn kung ano nangyari nun (para sa) Game Three,” said Cagulangan.
David, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of preparation and trust heading into the final game: “Siyempre sobrang blessed at sobrang saya namin makuha yung Game Two pero coming sa Game Three, kumbaga, 0-0 eh. Need namin aralin pa yung mga lapses namin and need namin mag-prepare niyan.
“Nagtiwala lang kami sa isa’t-isa pati yung coaching staff kasi kami na lang yung nasa loob eh. Kami na din talaga yung magtutulungan sa court.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
All roads now lead to this Sunday at the historic SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Only one team—and one player between Cagulangan and David—will emerge as champions. As they lead their schools into battle one last time this season, both know their friendship will remain steadfast regardless of the outcome.
Still, winning the championship is all that matters as tip-off approaches.
“Ang sabi kasi ni coach (Goldwin Monteverde) ay tuloy mo lang yung mga shots mo kasi papasok din naman yan. Nagbunga naman yung trust niya. Para suklian ko yung trust niya, ibibigay ko yung best ko,” said Cagulangan, whose clutch performances have been instrumental for UP.
“Siguro maganda kung magpapahinga muna kami,” said David. “Masaya naman kami dahil panalo kami pero coming off bukas, dapat prepared na kaagad kami.
“Yung mindset namin iba na dapat kasi mabilis lang yan. Ilang days lang, Game Three na so kailangan pa namin mag-ready pa.”
As the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball finals reach their thrilling conclusion, all eyes will be on these two former Greenies, now adversaries, as they leave everything on the court in their pursuit of glory.
