Coming off a second-place finish, expectations were high for Mapua University heading into the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament.
However, the Cardinals floundered in the opening round of the 10-team meet, dropping their first eight games before notching their first win against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals to close out their first slate of games.
To open the second round, the Intramuros cagers debuted a new set of kits — a more intricate design for their traditional red and yellow jerseys.
Was it the change Randy Alcantara was looking for?
“Yun wala naman sa uniform siguro, basta sila gusto nila ipakita ngayon kung ano ‘yung Cardinals this second round,” quipped the soft-spoken tactician.
Instead, Alcantara emphasized that the Cardinals went back to their bread and butter — their defense.
“Siyempre magandang reference nga ‘yung first round eh. Kami nga ‘yung mga coaches nakatutok dun sa mga mistakes namin nung sa first round, maraming games na pwede sa amin yan sabi nga ‘yung execution,” shared Alcantara.
“So ‘yan ‘yung tinatrabaho namin ngayon, tas diinan ‘yung depensa, so far nakita natin. Sana tuloy-tuloy na.”
To open the second round, Mapua was pitted against its neighbor Lyceum of the Philippines University, a team it lost to in the first round 76-67.
Entering the game, the Cardinals were already handicapped as Arvin Gamboa was on the sidelines due to an injury.
Instead of sulking, Mapua used it as a motivation, said reigning Most Improved Player Paolo Hernandez.
“This game ina-alay namin sa teammate namin na si Arvin [Gamboa] na di pa nakakabalik may iniinda pa, so ‘yun thankful ako for this game,” said Hernandez.
It was the second gear they needed.
With the game knotted at 55-all, Hernandez delivered a killer blow with 2:53 remaining.
The likes of Warren Bonifacio and Jeric Pido then did their end to secure a vengeful 62-59 victory to score their second win.
And Alcantara hopes that they could ride the wave of momentum as they make an improbable run to the Final Four.
“Siyempre masayang masaya. Sobrang proud ako sa kanila at sabi nga paulit ulit kami sumunod dun sa game plan, stick kami dun sa pina-practice namin,” gushed the head tactician.
“Especially dun sa execution sa fourth quarter, ‘yun nag response naman sila. Thank you at sa amin na-pabor ‘yung panalo.”
