An emotional Coach Randy Alcantara shared they are offering their NCAA Season 97 Final Four victory to former Mapua University athletic director Valerio 'Amang' Lopez who passed away early this year.
The Cardinals escaped the San Beda University Red Lions, 70-67, to book a finals ticket against defending champions Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
And Alcantara said their win was bigger than basketball, as they dedicated the performance to Lopez, who worked in the Red Lions' lair from early 1960s to 1990s.
"Masayang-masaya at ‘yun nga, [salamat] sa mga taong walang sawang sumusuporta sa’min," said Alcantara.
"Dine-dedicate namin to kay Amang Lopez, dapat kasama namin siya. 'Sir para po sa inyo ‘to.' Para sa kanya to at mga alumni na naniniwala sa amin, sa mga players."
Mapua just made history, barging to the championship round for the first time in 31 years and also ending San Beda's 14 straight finals appearance. But Alcantara said they just bounced back from game one loss against the Red Lions.
"Alam naman natin na ‘di gano'n kadali talunin ang San Beda kaya natutuwa ako sa mga players ko," the veteran coach added.
"Masyadong pressured na talaga makabalik [pagkatapos ng game one loss]. Sabi ko nga, no excuse, talagang talo kami do’n. They were much prepared doon sa last laban na ‘yun."
—JMB, GMA News
