After a hectic week for the Mapua Red Robins, their stint at the 2024 Smart NBTC National Finals came to a close after bowing out in the Fearless Four to the defending UAAP champion Adamson University, 70-65, on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Graduating senior Lawrence Mangubat immediately confirmed his decision to stay with Mapua and will join the Cardinals for NCAA Season 100.
Wrapping up his first and only year for the Red Robins after transferring from the Cebu Institute of Technology-University, Mangubat has chosen to continue his career and join the Season 99 finalists.
“Nag-commit na ako sa Mapua Cardinals, magste-stay lang po ako,” the 5-foot-11 Cebuano shared.
During NCAA Season 99, the 5-foot-11 guard averaged 17.82 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.82 assists, and 1.18 steals per game, leading the Red Robins to a third-place finish.
With the Cardinals, he will be under the tutelage of reigning MVP Clint Escamis.
Mangubat played limited minutes in Friday’s knockout match due to an injury sustained early in the tournament.
“Okay lang [‘yung experience] pero noong first game namin na-injure kasi ako, kaya sa UST at Adamson wala, di ako naka-laro ng maayos, sobrang sakit,” said Mangubat, looking back at their game against Davao.
However, the senior guard was still thankful for the chance to play in the NBTC, and at the MOA Arena for the first time in his young career.
“Syempre masaya at maraming natutunan, sobrang ganda ng NBTC, ‘yung players lahat talaga malalakas at kailangan niyong lumaban.”
