Mapua University has been searching for answers in the NCAA Season 98 as the Cardinals try to live up to their billing following a surprise runner-up finish in the previous season.
And as the current season progresses, the Intramuros squad is slowly finding its groove with Paolo Hernandez, Warren Bonifacio, Rence Nocum, and Toby Agustin leading the way.
But while these veterans take the charge, rookie Cyrus Cuenco is also quietly proving his worth for the Cardinals.
"Thankful lang ako sa binibigay na tiwala ni Coach Randy tsaka ng mga teammates ko kasi 'di ko naman magagawa 'yung mga nagawa ko kung hindi dahil sa mga teammates ko," he said.
"And trabaho lang nang trabaho."
Cuenco, who used to play for Arellano University in the juniors ranks, played a big role in Mapua's 77-67 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College.
He finished with 16 points on 4-for-8 shooting from the field and 6-for-8 from the free throw line, alongside eight rebounds and two assists.
He scored nine of those points in a huge second quarter, where he helped keep the Cardinals in the game, setting the stage for a second half comeback.
"Grateful kasi isa ako sa mga nakaka-contribute at nakakatulong para manalo. Wala kaming ibang motivation kundi 'yung standing namin," he said.
—JMB, GMA News
