MANILA, Philippines —In the absence of its main man JD Cagulangan, University of Philippines’ other guards found a way to keep the ball rolling for the Fighting Maroons.

Harold Alarcon stepped up to the plate to help UP overcome a slow start against the University of Santo Tomas and stay unbeaten in six games in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

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Alarcon led UP’s collective effort with 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists in their 81-70 win over UST on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

But  Terrence Fortea also sustained his fine play with 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Gerry Abadiano had 10 points, while Janjan Felicilda shone as a starter with eight points and seven rebounds to fill in the void left by Cagulangan, who was ready to play but coach Goldwin Monteverde decided to extend his rest.

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“I was preparing Janjan Felicilda, our backup point guard, and Terrence. I talked to him yesterday before practice since JD isn’t available,” said Alarcon. “I also make mistakes sometimes, but Gerry and the other veterans are there to back me up and help lead the team.”

UP Fighting Maroons’ Harold Alarcon during a UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Based on my shots, I just followed my instincts and what I felt at the moment. Those things I practiced, they don’t just come out during the game,” he added.

Trailing early in the game was the same old story for UP, but it has showed composure down the stretch time and again to overcome big leads against the contender squads. 

READ: UAAP: JD Cagulangan, UP eye consistency amid unbeaten start

Alarcon believes his team still lacks the killer instinct and consistency despite their unbeaten run.

I think we all had a bad start. Coach Gold always reminds us that if you’re mentally weak in these kinds of situations, you won’t last long in the UAAP because of the crowds an external distractions,” he said.

“The only thing that should matter is our circle and how we face things as a team and as individuals.”

“Honestly, we’re really talented as a team, and we just need to find the areas where we can improve,” he added.

Alarcon and UP look to perform with more consistency as they renew their rivalry against defending champion La Salle on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“Confidence-wise, it’s good for us heading into the La Salle game, but we’re also reminding each other not to let it get too high and make us complacent,” Alarcon said.

“The UAAP is far from over, we’re only finishing the first round. Our goal isn’t just the first or second round—our goal is the championship.”