Behind the red-hot JD Cagulangan, University of the Philippines barged into the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup final for the first time by outclassing the University of Perpetual Help, 104-69, on Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Having already achieved their best finish in tournament history, the Fighting Maroons now have a chance at a historic gold in the 2023 staging of the premier preseason tournament, supported by Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Akari, Reyes BBQ, BDO, Kalos Sportswear, and Molten.
They did so dominantly, as Cagulangan and CJ Cansino collaborated to lead a 30-6 run that erased a 26-27 deficit at the 7:22 mark of the second quarter. They then built a commanding 56-33 lead at halftime.
The Altas couldn’t recover from there.
Cagulangan scored 10 of his 15 points, while Cansino contributed all 10 of his points during the game-breaking run that propelled State U to the championship round. There, they await the winner between undefeated De La Salle University and fellow powerhouse National University.
“Going towards finals on Wednesday, na-appreciate naming kahit we started slow, kahit we struggled at first, nakita nating nag-bounce back tayo,” said head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
Gerry Abadiano also added 14 points, while Francis Lopez contributed 10 of his own as UP enjoyed a lead as large as 36 points.
“Sobrang saya namin sa nakikita namin, pero ‘di pa enough. Gusto ko, lahat may kumpyansa pagdating ng [UAAP] Season 86. Thankful naman ako na nagre-respond lagi ang mga bata,” said Cagulangan.
The Fighting Maroons lost to the Green Archers, 83-90, and defeated the Bulldogs, 72-65, in the group phase.
On the other hand, Perpetual will still celebrate its best finish in school history. JP Boral and Carlo Ferreras led the way for them with 12 points each in the losing effort.
The Scores:
UP 104 – Cagulangan 15, Abadiano 14, Cansino 10, Lopez 10, Alter 9, Belmonte 9, Briones 8, Alarcon 7, Diouf 6, Torculas 6, Gagate 6, Torres 2, Pablo 2, Felicilda 0
Perpetual 69 – Ferreras 12, Boral 12, Razon 11, Abis 8, Ramirez 8, Nitura 7, Nunez 4, Pagaran 3, Barcuma 2, Movida 2, Roque 0, Sevilla 0, Orgo 0, Gelsano 0, Cuevas 0
Quarterscores: 20-19, 56-33, 79-55, 104-69
