Maroons yet to reach full potential even after 5-0 start, says Cagulangan

MANILA, Philippines — The UP Fighting Maroons are looking unstoppable so far as they were the first team to breach the century mark in their 110-79 demolition of the UST Growling Tigers in their UAAP Season 86 clash on Saturday.

Rebounding after a close shave against the FEU Tamaraws in their previous game, UP lorded its might over the rest of the field with a 5-0 start — their best in the Final Four Era.

But with the rest of the long season still ahead, UP veteran JD Cagulangan said that the work continues from practice to the actual game.

“Wag magiging kumpyansa sa lahat ng bagay, mapa-practice man or game.” Cagulangan said on what will be key to continue their run.

“Yung goal naman namin, pagka-start pa lang ng season is makuha yung pinaka-potential ng team. Kumbaga, malaro namin yung pinaka-potential ng team,” he added.

The Maroons are keeping their eyes on the prize as they eye a redemption run in the UAAP, after finishing second to Ateneo last year.

“Kailangan lang i-regroup yung team namin na walang makukumpyansa, and para sakin, mag-start yun sa training namin, kung paano namin dadalin yung sarili namin and of course, yung disiplina sa isa’t isa,” he said.

Against UST, Cagulangan was an efficient +27 with 16 points, two rebounds, nine assists and three steals.

Meanwhile, it was Harold Alarcon who top-scored with 21 points, to go along with four rebounds, four assists and a steal.

Alarcon mirrored Cagulangan’s sentiments.

“Maging consistent lang kami sa ginagawa naming tama and i-lessen pa namin yung mga hindi magandang habits na ginagawa namin,” he said.

The two Maroon veterans will hope to continue their streak when they face a dangerous DLSU team on Wednesday, October 18.