By: Bjorn del Deade
Mapua University entered Sunday’s game with a singular goal in mind: to exact revenge on the defending champion San Beda University who had defeated them in a thrilling first-round matchup, 76-69, in overtime.
“Sabi namin, hindi na pwedeng mangyari yung nangyari sa amin sa first round. Ang sakit sa amin noon, parang sa amin na tapos biglang naudlot pa,” said bruising rookie Chris Hubilla.
After waiting through three games in the second round, Mapua finally achieved its objective, narrowly escaping San Beda with a 78-75 victory by focusing on a tactical approach rather than letting emotions take over.
“Nangyari na sa amin yung magigil e, yung mga hahanapin yung tira. Sana natuto kami don,” head coach Randy Alcantara said. “Yung gigil talaga, nakakasira sa diskarte nila.”
Hubilla, who led Mapua with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting along with nine rebounds, acknowledged the importance of maintaining a composed and precise style of play against the Red Lions.
“Nung first round na nagkita kami, naglaro kami, sobrang gigil ko nun, parang gusto kong atakihin sila,” Hubilla reflected on Mapua’s earlier matchup against the defending champions. “Ngayon nag-plan talaga ako. Nag-focus ako nung game, kung ano yung ma-co-contribute ko sa team, ano ‘yung matutulong ko. Dun lang ako nag-stick.”
The Cardinals dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Red Lions 51-31, including 15 offensive boards. Alcantara attributed this hustle to Mapua’s preparation and their hunger for revenge.
“Talagang motivation lang is bumawi kami dahil defending champion, mas doble, triple yung preparation, and nakita naman namin, talagang yung rebounds lumamang kami don,” the coach said. “Talagang kung sino talagang may gusto. Mas gusto siguro at nakita naman natin sa performance ng mga bata hanggang sa dulo.”
Hubilla’s stellar week earned him recognition as the NCAA Player of the Week by the Collegiate Press Corps, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, with Discovery Suites and World Balance as minor sponsors for the period of October 15-20.
The Sorsogon native averaged 17.33 points, 7.33 rebounds, 4.33 assists, one steal, and 0.33 blocks in the Cardinals’ wins over Letran and San Beda.
While the Cardinals will savor this sweet victory, they know they must regain their focus as the race for the top spot against the College of St. Benilde intensifies.
“Sobrang thankful kasi nanalo kami ngayon, pero di pa kami contented talaga kasi nga may goal kami eh,” Hubilla said. “Marami pa kaming makakalaban, marami pa kaming kailangan ayusin sa team namin. Masaya kami ngayon, pero sa mga susunod na laban namin, focus ulit kami. Masaya kami ngayon, pero di namin to pwedeng dalhin sa sunod naming game.”
