Amidst the backdrop of the University of the Philippines’ 84-77 win over University of the East in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament, there is a sense of unease about the former’s injury updates.
There were 56.5 seconds remaining in the game, with the Fighting Maroons leading 76-71 over the Red Warriors. Then State U big man Carl Tamayo had to be substituted due to an injury to his right ankle.
Thankfully, the 6-foot-7 Gilas Pilipinas pool member demonstrated he felt alright by walking off the court without assistance. And the latest update from coach Goldwin Monteverde will yield a sigh of relief.
“Sabi naman sa akin nung PT namin, minor lang naman. Hindi naman grabe yung sprain so I guess he’s gonna be okay,” said the Saint Stephen High School alumnus.
Tamayo still played close to 25 minutes of action, producing 13 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. But one key cog of the Fighting Maroons sat out entirely – spitfire guard JD Cagulangan, who came into the game in street clothes.
After missing State U’s first four games, Cagulangan returned just in time against Ateneo de Manila University. He contributed seven points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in 27:44 minutes of action – and helped the Diliman school emerge victorious, 76-71, in overtime.
While the Butuan native rested for this match, he might return sooner rather than later.
“Kasi nung last game, medyo na-strain ng kaunti yung hamstring. Pero ano naman siya recovering and I think by next game makakabalik na siya,” said Monteverde.
In a game that saw the Fighting Maroons escape the upset-seeking Red Warriors, Monteverde hopes to see the former play at a higher level.
The eventual return of both Tamayo and Cagulangan will hasten that wish. It will also liekly allow UP to peak at just the right time in their quest to win back-to-back crowns.
“Siguro nandun kami sa process of it, pero yung full potential namin… Siguro for me, wala pa kami dun. And we’re really working hard on that,” said the two-time UAAP juniors champion mentor.
“One thing we need to address is maging consistent kami. Nakikita ko naman na we could really execute offensively and we could really good in defense. Yun lang, sana magawa namin in a consistent basis.”
