Cardinals beginning to dream big in NCAA

By Peter Atencio

The Mapua Cardinals are dreaming of an elusive crown, which has slipped their hands since 1991.

The Cardinals will have this in mind when they clash with the University of Perpetual Help Altas Saturday in the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

The Randy Alcantara-coached Cardinals and his crew are beginning to entertain thoughts of a title conquest this season after they whipped the Arellano University Chiefs, 79-65, last Wednesday.

This allowed Mapua extend its winning streak to five and improve to 7-1, going into their final first-round game against the Altas at 9:30 a.m.

Later in the day, the Chiefs will tangle with the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers at 9:30 a.m.

“‘Yung malaking puso nakikita ko sa team ngayon and sana tuloy-tuloy ‘yung goal na everyday ay makikipag-compete kami,” he added.

The Cardinals took pride in the game of rookie guard Clint Escamis as he made seven of nine points during a crucial second quarter run, to go with nine rebounds, five assists, and five steals, while team captain Warren Bonifacio churned out a double-double outing of 14 markers and 10 boards alongside two dimes, one swat, and one block.

Alcantara recalled that the first time, Mapua topped the elimination round with an 8-2 card, the Cardinals advanced to the finals, and won the crown against the San Beda Red Lions.