Cuenco Credits Rookies for Mapúa’s Three-Game Turnaround

Mapúa has quickly turned things around after starting NCAA Season 102 at 0-3, winning three straight games capped by an overtime victory over EAC, 89-84.

For team captain Cyrus Cuenco, a big part of the Cardinals’ turnaround has been the way their rookies have embraced their opportunities and the pressure that came with them.

“Sobrang proud and grateful ako sa mga rookies ko dahil syempre gina-grab nila yung opportunity and hindi sila nagba-back down sa mga challenges. Ine-embrace nila yung pressure,” Cuenco told ALL-STAR.

Cuenco and his fellow veterans have also made it a point to remind the rookies to trust themselves and each other, especially when the pressure starts to build.

“Syempre sinasabihan namin na magtiwala sila sa sarili nila and sa isa’t isa, and yun nga lahat naman kami ready dahil si Coach Chito and mga coaches namin pini-prepare kami para sa mga big moments,” he said.

That trust has already paid off for the Cardinals, with rookie Jamal Diaz making the most of his opportunity during their three-game winning streak.

Mapúa has seen different players step up in each of its three straight wins.

In their first victory, Diaz became the hero, scoring eight points with six coming from his back-to-back threes in the final minutes as the Cardinals edged San Beda, 55-54.

The next game belonged to veteran Yam Concepcion, who put together a monster performance with 22 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, five blocks, and four steals in Mapúa’s 69-55 win over Arellano.

Then came Cuenco’s turn.

The team captain delivered 28 points, seven three-pointers, four rebounds, and four assists against EAC, helping Mapúa complete its three-game winning streak in overtime.

The turnaround, however, did not come out of nowhere.

Mapúa’s 0-3 start came in three closely contested games, with the Cardinals learning early that staying composed and executing in the closing moments could make the difference between a win and a loss.

“Need namin mag-grind and focus especially sa mga last minute kasi ayun yung naging problem namin sa first 3 games. Laging reminder lang sa amin ni Coach Chito na it’s always a grinding game,” Cuenco said.

Now, the Cardinals are no longer the same team that started the season 0-3.

Three straight wins have shown that Mapúa can find different ways to win, with veterans and rookies alike stepping up when their team needs them most.

For Cuenco, the key to keeping that run going comes down to one word.

“Sa mga big moments lagi namin sinasabi sa bawat isa is yung word na ‘attitude’, to stay positive at all times,” he said.

After learning how costly the big moments could be during their 0-3 start, Mapúa is now learning how to own them.