Mapua University head coach Randy Alcantara is keeping mum on the ongoing investigation of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines) regarding Gab Gamboa.
Gamboa, a freshman, played seven minutes and 30 seconds in the Cardinals’ 66-55 win over the San Beda Red Lions to open the tournament.
However, St. Clare College of Caloocan raised that the speedy guard is also enrolled in their school, making Gamboa a cross enrollee.
Alcantara though said that he won’t be making pronouncements until the league concludes their investigation.
“As of now, ayoko pa magsalita diyan. Sila rin, may proseso din sila. Hintayin na lang natin yung sa kanila at ayoko mauna sa statement nila,” said Alcantara.
“Lalabas at lalabas din yan.”
If proven, Mapua will have to forfeit their win.
One thing is for certain, Gamboa is already out of Mapua’s lineup and is back at St. Clare.
“Wala na siya.
“Ang inaayos lang namin is yung status ng issue na yun at maayos yung sa side ni Gab, St. Clare, at Mapua,” continued Alcantara.
Since Tiebreaker Times broke the news, the Cardinals have suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Lyceum and San Sebastian.
Alcantara though stressed that it is not because of what happened. He emphasized that the Cardinals have moved on from it.
“Sa lineup ngayon, it’s anybody’s ballgame at malalakas yung nakakalaban namin. Ang kailangan lang is ready kami every game,” said the one-time MPBL champion coach.
“Natalo talaga nila kami at hindi dahil dun.”
Heartbreaking though was Mapua’s defeat against San Sebastian.
With just three seconds left and the Cardinals down 56-57, Juaqui Garcia had a good shot from deep but missed.
Alcantara was surprised that even with Paolo Hernandez and Arvin Gamboa out while Brian Lacap sat out the game, the Cardinals were in a position to win against the Golden Stags. It’s just that the final shot could not drop.
“Sabi ko sa players, no excuses. Di naman excuse na nainjure si Paolo, na-injure si Gamboa, at wala si Lacap.
“Ang mga players na naiwan, lumaban naman at madami kaming natutunan dun. Crucial yung free throws e. Good line din yung kay Juaqui, di lang na shoot. Next time, papasok din yun. Ngayon lang kasi dumating sa kanila yung pagkakataon na sila yung nasa loob pag crucial,” he said.
With reports from Zachi Cruz
