By NIKOLE JAVIER
JD Cagulangan made a timely comeback as University of the Philippines eked out a hard-earned 76-71 overtime victory against rival Ateneo in the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball tournament.
Cagulangan posted an all-around effort of seven points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals on Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The 5-foot-9 was ruled out for one and a half months as he nursed a muscle strain.
But as if he wasn’t gone for a while, Cagulangan delivered right away and pulled up for a step-back triple for his first points of the season late in the second quarter—in the same spot reminiscent of his championship heroics earlier this year.
“Nagulat lang din. I mean, bitaw lang nang bitaw. Lagi naman sinasabi ng coaches na kumpiyansa pa rin kasi galing nga ako sa injury,” said Cagulangan, who was one of the catalysts in the Maroons' huge win which hiked their record to 4-1.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde as Cagulangan returned to action for the team against its championship rival Ateneo.
“Talagang nagkataon lang na ready siya for today. Actually, we were trying to get him ready last week pa. But syempre, ayaw naman natin pilitin. Kasi baka lalong mas sumama pa ‘yong sitwasyon. At least for today’s game, ready na talaga siya,” said Monteverde.
Likewise, Cagulangan’s excitement was met with great support from the UP community which saw them thrive in extra time.
“Iba talaga pag Ateneo kalaban. Dami nanonood. Parang feel ko pa rin finals namin. Grabe ‘yong competition. Kaya siguro nag-overtime. At saka ‘yon pa. Sobrang sarap sa feeling na makabalik. Sobrang sara sa feeling tapos makita mo ‘yong crowd, ‘yong UP community tapos nanalo pa kami,” added Cagulangan.