By: Arjohn Roxas
When Randy Alcantara opened the doors for Cyril Gonzales to have his swan song at Mapua University, he didn’t just get his guard back — he regained one of his top gunners.
And when Gonzales returned, he came back not only more mature but also armed with experience from big games during his three-year stint at the University of the Philippines.
The 6-foot guard’s full arsenal was on display when the Cardinals needed him the most.
With their backs against the wall against a twice-to-beat College of Saint Benilde, Gonzales delivered, starting hot with six early points.
As the Blazers fought their way back, the 25-year-old guard from Samal, Davao del Norte, added eight more points in the closing stretch. He finished with 17 points while carrying the Cardinals to a 73-58 victory, keeping their title defense alive.
“Na-apply ko lang (mga natutunan ko sa UP) tapos sila coach parang binibigyan ako ng free wheel para malaro ang laro ko,” he said.
“Malaki rin yung natulong nung dati kong school para sa experience ko dito sa NCAA.”
His timely shooting and defense were crucial, especially as Clint Escamis struggled on both ends, managing only two points on 0-of-10 shooting from the field.
“Pag nakaka-shoot ako, tuloy-tuloy lang. Mga teammates ko, suporta lang sila, wala silang sinasabi,” Gonzales added.
“Siguro kaya rin ako nakaka-shoot kasi ang ganda ng defense namin. Kaya tuloy-tuloy lang.”
But there will be no rest for Gonzales and the Cardinals.
On Friday, they will once again fight for their lives against the Blazers. A loss will end not only their title defense but also Gonzales’ collegiate career.
With only a day to regroup, Gonzales vows to sustain their aggression against Benilde.
“Kilala n’yo naman Benilde, hindi magpapatalo kahit kanino. Pag natalo sa Game One, babawi talaga. Sila talaga yung aggressor,” he said.
“Kaya dodoblehin pa namin yung performance namin. Ako, especially sa defense, pati yung mga lapses. Pag-iinsayuhan namin yun.”
