University of the Philippines, drawing inspired game from spitfire JD Cagulangan, barged into the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup finals for the first time after outclassing University of Perpetual Help, 104-69, Monday at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Having already recorded their best finish in tournament history, the Fighting Maroons now get a shot at winning the title.
Cagulangan and CJ Cansino sparked a telling 30-6 tear that erased a 26-27 deficit at the 7:22 mark of the second quarter and erected a massive 56-33 lead at halftime.
The Altas never recovered from that onslaught.
Cagulangan fired 10 of his 15 points, while Cansino shot all 10 of his output in the game-breaking run that propelled State U to the championship round where they await the winner between undefeated 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 added 14 points, while Francis Lopez chipped in 10 of his own, as UP enjoyed an advantage as big as 36.
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
Quarters: 20-19, 56-33, 79-55, 104-69
