Mapua University remains positive it still can make the Final Four in NCAA Season 98. But amidst a tumultuous campaign, head coach Randy Alcantara stressed they have to be patient moving forward.
The Cardinals are now at 4-9 after copping back-to-back wins over Emilio Aguinaldo College and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to breathe new life into their season this second round.
"Syempre hindi naman mawawala ('yung Final Four bid) pero ang control lang naman namin as of now ay 'yung mga remaining games namin eh. So doon muna kami magfo-focus," said Alcantara following their 73-65 win over the Altas.
"Basta kami, kumpiyansa pa rin sa mga players namin every game. 'Yung result darating din 'yan."
Mapua is slowly getting its groove back.
After a 0-8 card to start the first round - which was a dismal way to follow up its finals appearance in Season 97 - the Intramuros crew has now won four of its last five games.
And to pull off a miracle this season, Alcantara said they now have to show how much heart they have in their remaining games.
"Unti-unti bumabalik na 'yung mga kumpiyansa ng mga players. Hindi naman natin masasabi hangga't may chance 'di ba? So 'yung second round mahalaga sa amin 'to at gawin lang namin 'yung every game and every possession," he said.
"Sabi ko nga sa mga players hindi naman mai-i-scout 'yung malaking puso eh, so lahat ng plays natin mai-i-scout pero 'yung hustle and 'yung desire to win hindi."
—JMB, GMA News
