After six seasons, Mapua University and head coach Randy Alcantara have mutually agreed to part ways.
The development was first reported by Snow Badua and confirmed to Tiebreaker Times by multiple sources closely monitoring the situation.
Alcantara, 53, a former Cardinal himself, steered the seniors basketball program to new heights during his six-year tenure. He posted a 60–34 record in the elimination round and went 7–6 in the playoffs.
His most defining achievement came in NCAA Season 100, when he ended Mapua’s 33-year championship drought, guiding the Cardinals to their first title since Season 67. 
Back in the 1991 season, Alcantara was still suiting up as a player.
Last season, the Cardinals struggled, finishing the group phase third with a 7-6 record. Mapua was eliminated by Benilde in the quarterfinals.
Before taking over the seniors program, Alcantara served as head coach of the Red Robins from 2009 to 2018.
He also led Malayan High School to two championships, capturing titles in Seasons 92 and 94.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The leading candidate to replace him is another former Cardinal, Jack Santiago.
Santiago has long been on Mapua’s radar, having been shortlisted to succeed Atoy Co in 2018—a role that ultimately went to Alcantara. He previously served as head coach of the University of the East, compiling a 9–33 record.
His best finish with the Red Warriors came in UAAP Season 87, steering UE to a fifth-place finish with a 6–8 record.
The next head coach of the Cardinals will inherit a roster that, while losing Clint Escamis and Cyril Gonzales to graduation, still features a solid core.
Incoming fifth-year players Cyrus Cuenco and Earl Sapasap are expected to lead the way, with JC Recto, Yam Concepcion, and Cyrus Nitura also remaining in the fold.
