Mapua University is banking on familiarity as it moves closer to its return to the Final Four stage, a feat the school last achieved in Season 92.
According to sharp shooter Paolo Hernandez, having former high school teammates around in the collegiate ranks played a big factor as the Cardinals put themselves in good position to make it to the semifinals.
Hernandez is a product of Mapua's high school program alongside his current teammates Warren Bonifacio, Brian Lacap, Joaquin Garcia, and Jasper Salenga. The program was also led by current Cardinals head coach Randy Alcantara,
"For me, malaking factor 'yung samahan namin nung high school dahil nadala namin 'yun dito sa college," said Hernandez, who listed 13 points, five assists, and two rebounds in their 75-65 win over Lyceum on Wednesday.
"Familiarity 'yung feeling kong big factor din kung bakit nandito kami sa posisyon namin ngayon. Sa sistema rin nila coach Randy at coach Yong (Garcia), nadala namin sa seniors."
Their chemistry has been translating into wins so far.
Mapua is currently among the hottest teams in the NCAA Season 97 right now, winning all of their four last assignments for a 7-2 card.
Prior to the game against the Pirates, Hernandez was posting 10.6 markers, 6.0 boards, and 1.4 dimes.
Lacap was leading Mapua with his averages of 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals while Bonifacio had norms of 10.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks.
Their chances of booking an outright semis ticket now hinges on the result of the game between San Beda University and Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Friday.
A loss by the Red Lions will formalize the Cardinals' automatic semis berth but a San Beda win would send Mapua into the play-in round.
Hernandez, though, said they aren't putting too much thought on that game as it isn't within their control.
"Wala kaming inaanticipate, kumbaga kahit anong maging resulta nung game na 'yon, so be it," Hernandez, the NCAA Season 94 Juniors Finals MVP, said.
"Tuloy-tuloy lang kami, kung ano 'yung control namin, 'yun 'yung gagawin namin."
—JMB, GMA News
