Entering the season, hardly anyone gave the Mapua University Cardinals a chance to even compete, game in and game out in the 93rd Season of the NCAA. And it’s hard to do so after the team lost four key players from their campaign a season ago that saw the Cardinals enter the Final Four for the second straight year.
“Naging sobrang hirap sa amin yun,” reflected floor general Andoy Estrella.
“Puro key player pa nawala sa amin, si Allwell [Oraeme], si [Shane] Menina, si [Exe] Biteng, at si [Justin] Serrano.”
Moreover, with just 11 student-athletes being fielded in this season, it was hard for the Cardinals to even have a complete practice session.
But for the past two games, the Cardinals have been playing like a team that is on a mission: to prove that they can still compete.
“Sabi namin sa sarili namin na kaya pala namin na kahit wala sila Allwell,” the 23-year old added, as Mapua was able to keep up with Arellano, losing by just nine points even with just eight players fielded in last Saturday.
And in just their second game of the season, Mapua were able to pull off a stunner, taking a 78-75 win over neighbors Letran Knights.
After rallying back from six points down with 1:15 left, the native of Cardnona, Rizal took matters into his own hands, knocking down the go-ahead triple right in front of Letran big man Jeo Ambohot with five seconds left.
“Basta ano lang, na shoot ayun po,” shared Estrella about the out-of-body experience he felt. “Talagang mataas kumpiyansa ko sa last shot na yun.
“Wala akoong masabi eh. Basta masaya kami! Wala akong masabi talaga.”
The graduating senior finished 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. For him, they are just getting started.
“Itong panalo na ito pinakita lang namin sa mga nag-da-doubt sa amin na di kami makakapanalo this season kaya sobrang saya namin na nanalo kami ngayon.”
Even with the win, Mapua will still enter each game as underdogs. Just don’t tell that to Estrella and the rest of the Cardinals.
