The UP Fighting Maroons found steady contributions from their guards even during the absence of JD Cagulangan against the UST Growling Tigers in UAAP Season 87.
Even without superstar JD Cagulangan, the UP Fighting Maroons found steady contributions from their other guards on the way to an 81-70 victory over the UST Growling Tigers in UAAP Season 87.
Chief among them was Harold Alarcon, who paved the way with a team-high 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
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But more than leading the team on offense, the veteran floor general also ensured that his fellow guards would be ready to step up in the absence of Cagulangan, who was feeling under the weather and missed the game.
“Nire-ready ko lang din sina Janjan Felicilda, ‘yung backup point guard namin and si Terrence [Fortea] na kinakausap ko siya kahapon before practice na wala si Maimai, anong gagawin mo, ganito ganyan,” Alarcon said during the post-game press conference.
“Sa iba naman, parang ako din minsan nagkakamali din so nandiyan din naman sila Gerry [Abadiano], ‘yung ibang veterans na mag-back up sa akin kung paano i-lead ‘yung team,” he added.
In response, Felicilda, who started the game in place of Cagulangan, contributed eight points and seven rebounds, while Fortea added 11 markers in the win.
“Ang pinaka malaking bagay dun is nag-step up si Janjan and si Terrence. One thing that coach Gold reminded the whole team this week is that everybody has to stay ready,” said assistant coach Christian Luanzon.
The good news for UP fans is that Cagulangan could have played in UP’s match against UST, but the coaching staff opted to sit him out to prepare him for Sunday in the Finals rematch against defending champion La Salle.
“He [Cagulangan] was actually good to go today. Day-to-day basis yung nangyari sa kanya and game-time decision,” said Luanzon. “There could’ve been a situation earlier na pinasok siya eh. But it was coaches’ decision na hindi na so yeah, I think it would be the same thing pagdating this Sunday.”
With or without Cagulangan, the Fighting Maroons proved why they have one of the deepest teams in the league.
But come Sunday, October 6, UP will need its superstar point guard with the team as the Maroons collide with the Green Archers at 6:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.