Cyrus Cuenco made it clear what Mapua University wants — especially now that they’ve had a taste of what it's like to win an NCAA championship. And that’s back-to back titles.
The third-year shooting guard played a huge role in their title-clinching Game 2 win against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde last Saturday, dropping seven of his points in the crucial third quarter where the Cardinals started to create some separation.
He ended up with a team-high 19 points alongside four assists, two rebounds, and one steal as Mapua ended a 33-year title drought and captured its sixth overall crown.
And the Cardinals will be determined to defend the crown next year.
"Sa amin, since day one sabi sa amin ni coach, hindi na kami papayag ulit na maramdaman ulit ‘yung luha at lungkot. Kami naman. So since day one, nagtrabaho talaga kami. Nandito na kami, ito ‘yung pinaguusapan lang namin dati," Cuenco told GMA News Online.
"Na-inspire kami kasi syempre 33 years, sobrang tagal no’n. Si Coach Randy nga player pa no’n. Parang na-boost ‘yung confidence namin to make history, kami naman."
[For us, since day one coach has been telling us, we won’t allow for us to feel the sadness and tears again. It’s our turn. So since day one, we’ve been working hard. We’re here now, where we were talking about in the past. We were inspired because 33 years is a long time. Coach Randy was still a player back then. The chance to make history boosted our confidence, like it’s our turn.]
Cuenco is optimistic they can retain the title come Season 101. After all, they are welcoming a number of prized recruits led by former Perpetual star Cyrus Nitura and ex-UP standout Cyril Gonzales.
Cuenco himself is returning with still two more years to play though Clint Escamis remains unsure of his future after helping Mapua win its first title since 1991.
"Sa amin, ‘yung recruits namin next year talagang solid. Mas makakatulong sa amin. Pero focused muna kami sa celebration ngayon pero we're aiming for back-to-back titles."
[Our recruits next year are really solid. They will be able to help us a lot. But we’re focused first on the celebration, then we’re aiming for back-to-back titles.]
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
