Mapua Cardinals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
Warren Bonifacio would relatively not dwell on a close to title end two seasons in the past that slipped from the grasp of the Mapua Cardinals.
As an alternative, he and the Cardinals try and erase the piercing reminiscence of that championship defeat as they attempt to shut out the San Beda Crimson Lions on Sunday within the NCAA Season 99 Finals on the Mall of Asia Area.
“We got here near successful it, however it wasn’t meant to be. Now, we’ve discovered our lesson,’’ stated the 6-foot-5 energy ahead as they goal for a shot at redemption after dropping within the Season 97 finale in opposition to Letran.
Final 12 months was forgettable because the Cardinals missed the semifinal trip by a mile. They have been capable of regroup this season by infusing one other important piece to their roster—projected rookie-Most Precious Participant Clint Escamis.
“Since that is my final 12 months, the starvation is there for us to win. Except for attempting to redeem ourselves from a ruined championship bid two seasons in the past, our motivation is to finish the 32 years that Mapua hasn’t gained a title,’’ stated Bonifacio.
Mapua coach Randy Alcantara fashioned a part of that championship squad in 1991, apparently in opposition to that very same rival in San Beda.
Late=sport heroics
Moreover Escamis, whose late-game heroics in Sport 1 bailed them out to achieve headway within the best-of-three collection, Alcantara has put his belief on veteran swingmen Paolo Hernandez and large males Jopet Soriano, the burly JC Recto and Bonifacio.
He’s likewise anticipating Ryle Rosillo to once more restrict Jacob Cortez’s touches. In opposition to Rosillo, the hot-shooting San Beda guard completed with 12 factors however was held scoreless within the first half.
“We anticipate them (Crimson Lions) to make key changes. They won’t again down. This sport will likely be tougher than the primary match,’’ stated Alcantara.
Not solely did the Cardinals stymie the explosive Cortez, they have been environment friendly in overlaying the perimeter, particularly the three-point arc the place the Crimson Lions are identified to nook their prey.
“We’ll discover a approach to prolong the collection. We’ll deal with ourselves in getting the job executed,’’ stated San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.
The Crimson Lions practically pulled off an enormous turnaround from 16 factors down within the second half however a few misfired open photographs close to the top ultimately introduced them to their knees after stitching the hole to 66-63 within the closing seconds.
Wingmen James Payosing, Nygel Gonzales and ahead Jomel Puno might assist generate offense in addition to guards Oliver Tagle and Peter Alfaro.
With exterior capturing probably the most potent of their arsenal, the Lions ought to coax their entrance line of Clifford Hopia, Yukien Andrada and Damie Cuntapay so as to add the much-needed risk from across the rim.
“I feel the important thing for us is to maintain our composure, be affected person and execute our performs correctly,’’ stated Escamis, who will obtain his rookie-MVP award earlier than sport time.
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Escamis, a multi-dimensional playmaker with a diverse ability set, is the primary freshman MVP since Mapua’s Allwell Oraeme in 2015.