THE loss may have stung, but JD Cagulangan remains resolute that University of the Philippines will, and can, recover after literally letting the UAAP Season 87 championship slip from their able hands.
The Fighting Maroons, thanks to a myriad of turnovers and missed free throws, fell short of a sweep as La Salle came through in the clutch, extending the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball finals series with a 76-75 victory.
Now, Cagulangan and the rest of the Fighting Maroons have three days to prepare for another do-or-die Game 3 as they set their sights on that thrilling showdown set inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
READ: KQ wills La Salle past UP in Game 2 as UAAP finals goes to Game 3
“Sabi ko lang na hindi pa naman tapos, may Game Three pa, sana manalo kami, and of course, paghihirapan namin ‘yun,” Cagulangan said after the game, attempting to break the cold atmosphere in the locker room.
The idea is to move on from the loss, but never forget the stinging feeling of defeat and the things they did which led to it.
“Hindi madali ang laban. Kailangan namin aralin ang lapses, mga pagkakamali, tapos babawi kami sa Game Three,” Cagulangan continued.
“Move on lang [from the loss], pero wag [completely] kalimutan, pag-aralan din.”
Cagulangan was determined to finish the series as he dropped 14 of his 16 points in the second half to go along with seven rebounds and five assists.
And though that effort went for naught, he’s not crying over spilt milk as he plans to repeat that – if not come out with a better – performance come Game 3.
“Nagkataon lang na nasakin ang shots, para suklian ang trust ng teammates ko, and coaches. Kailangan ko itira nang may kumpiyansa sa sarili.”
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