Mapua University has had a disappointing campaign in its finals return bid in the NCAA.
In the opening round, the Cardinals only notched one win in nine tries.
After taking the opener of their second round, Mapua dropped the next game which came against College of Saint Benilde.
Needing a spark, head coach Randy Alcantara dug deep into his bench and unearthed a gem in guard Cyrus Cuenco.
And the rookie guard out of Arellano High School delivered against Emilio Aguinaldo College, tallying 16 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.
Definitely, the 6-foot guard out of Pampanga seized the moment.
“Thankful ako sa binibigay na tiwala ni coach Randy at tiyaka ‘yung mga teammates ko,” he expressed.
“Kasi di ko naman magagawa ‘yung mga ko kung hindi dahil sa mga teammates ko at sa mga coaches ko. Tapos trabaho lang ng trabaho, tuloy lang.”
Prior to the game, Cuenco was averaging just 4.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.5 points per game.
But despite his limited minutes, Alcantara knew that he can rely on his guard this season.
“Si Cyrus naman talaga alam ko preseason pa lang meron na yan eh. Talagang meron ng talent di lang sa offense pati diyan sa defense ‘yung hustle niya,” said Alcantara.
“Pero, sabi ko nga nung mga pinakita niya ng mga ilan games, deserve niya ‘yung mga playing times na nakukuha niya ngayon. Every game naman nag re-respond ‘yung bata.“
Despite their record, Mapua’s Final Four hope is still flickering.
And Cuenco vows that he will do his best to give what the Cardinals need to salvage their campaign.
“Yung standing namin. Wala kami ibang motivation kung hindi ‘yung standing namin, tiyaka wala kaming ibang goal every game kung hindi manalo,” shared the 20- year-old cager from Sta. Rita.
“Trabaho pa din. Extra lang ng extra [work], tiyaka i-grab lang ‘yung opportunity na binibigay ni coach Randy, and mga teammates ko.”
