Mapua University snapped its eight-game losing skid after defeating Emilio Aguinaldo, 67-55, in the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday.
The Cardinals have taken some big hits since the beginning of this season. They lost Gab Gamboa from their lineup, forfeited their first win against San Beda University, then went on a continuous losing streak through their past matches.
Still, head coach Randy Alcantara praised Paolo Hernandez and Warren Bonifacio for adjusting and stepping up for Mapua, even in those tough times.
Despite the hardships, Alcantara feels proud to see his seniors giving extra time to continue working harder as this season progresses.
“Sila mismo nakikita ko sa practice, sa game talagang di bumibigay. Talagang hangga’t may pagod, may nararamdaman, or na-injured, nandiyan yan,” shared Alcantara.
“Basta’t sila talaga magtatapos nung game. Nakita naman natin tinrabaho ngayon ni Paolo [Hernandez] and ni Boni [Warren Bonifacio].”
Even with the ups and downs of their team, the two-time NCAA Juniors champion mentor hopes his two senior veterans’ support will not end. They need to step up in every challenge ahead for the rest of the team.
And those two will serve as exemplary models for the upcoming young guns of the team.
“Sana tuloy-tuloy, walang [kupas] dun sa dalawang ‘yun. Talagang nandiyan sila para supportahan ‘yung mga teammates nila. At ‘yun muna maganda diyan sa team na yan at sa mga bata na yan, ay talagang ‘yun sumusunod naman,” expressed the head tactician.
“So magiging modelo ‘yung dalawa para dun sa mga bago.”
Even with the first round of the elimination ending, Hernandez, Bonifacio, and their team are looking forward to returning to their winning habit in the second round as a newly-improved Mapua will take on the second round.
“Gusto ko kasi maging competitive sa training para lahat kami sabay-sabay mag-improve. Kaya talagang gusto ko naka-focus lahat, walang nagtatawanan, walang nagre-relax. Gusto ko go hard lahat sa basket,” said the Cardinals senior team captain.
“So ayun, step up kami lahat. Lahat ng rookies nag-step up. Sana magtuloy-tuloy.”
