NO one remembers the bridesmaid.
After falling short in the last cage wars, Mapua University coach Randy Alcantara is hoping his wards will emerge a season older and wiser.
“Sana nga natuto na sila mula doon sa masakit na pinagdaanan namin. Alam naman natin na malakas iyong Letran pero kaya naman namin kung tutuusin,” Alcantara said.
“Mas masakit, sana mas matuto. Iyon ang baon namin this season para mas maging intact at lumaban at iyong mistakes namin hopefully ma-correct namin hanggang dulo and iyong goal namin na hindi lang maibalik sa Mapua community iyong finals stint kundi pangarap din talaga naming mag-champion,” he added.
The Cardinals launch their title bid when they tangle with the San Beda University Red Lions today in the 98th NCAA basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The duel is set at 6 p.m. after host Emilio Aguinaldo College takes on Arellano University at 3:30 in a match kicking off the new season of the country’s oldest collegiate league.
Opening rites will be held at 11 a.m.
The Intramuros-based five will parade an intact core made up of the likes of Warren Bonifacio, Adrian Nocum, Arvin Gamboa, Paolo Hernandez, and Brian Lacap.
New San Beda tactician Yuri Escueta, who replaced Boyet Fernandez, said his team is still trying to jive.
“Noong dumating ako medyo bago pa sa kanila iyong mga principle namin sa depensa, iyong set plays sa offense, medyo bago pa sa kanila. Siguro ang major takeaway ko lang in pre-season tournaments, I told the players also na fast-pace ang laro sa NCAA,” Escueta said.
“Iyong composure namin in terms of taking care of the ball. We don’t wanna turn the ball over as much as possible kasi kapag nag-turn over ka dito sa NCAA mabilis kang mai-iskoran.”
With a young core led by the likes of Fil-Canadian James Kwekuteye, JB Bahio, and Franz Abuda, the Lions finished with a 7-2 card for third after the eliminations last season.
San Beda hurdled No. 4 College of St. Benilde in their play-in duel to advance to the Final Four.
The Lions negated the Cardinals’ twice-to-beat advantage but lost in their knockout match and failed to reach the Big Dance for the first time since 2005.
“Sanay ako sa pressure. It’s a privilege kasi ibig sabihin okay iyong school na hinahawakan mo, Okay ang players na mayroon ka,” Escueta said.
“But again, sabi ko nga it’s really about how you prepare kasi if prepared ka kahit ano pa iyan — game on the line or gaano kataas iyong level ng game, kung pinaghandaan mo talaga, naihanda mo players mo, wala na iyong pressure.”
Kwekuteye, Bahio, and Jacob Cortez will be counted upon by San Beda to deliver.
The Generals, who ended up with a 3-6 mark for 7th four months ago, will pin their hopes on Allen Liwag, Ralph Robin, and Kriss Gurtiza after losing Marwin Taywan and CJ Cadua to graduation.
Gone for the Chiefs is star center Justin Arana along with Gelo Sablan (now assistant coach), and Jordan Sta. Ana.
Arellano will rely on Cade Flores, Wilmar Oftana, and Shane Menina to improve on its 4-5 record last season.
