A year after claiming its first championship in more than three decades, Mapua sets its sights on another one as it clashes with Lyceum of the Philippines University in today’s start of the 101st NCAA basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But Cardinals coach Randy Alcantara admitted the road back to the top would be harder this season after losing Chris Hubilla and Laurence Mangubat, vital cogs in their magnificent title run last campaign.
Hubilla and Mangubat have moved over to Jose Rizal U where Nani Epondulan, who was also part of Alcantara’s coaching staff, took over as head coach from Louie Gonzales early this year.
‘It would be tougher this year because we lost some key players,’ said Alcantara. ‘But we’re hoping our new guys will fill those gaps.’
New recruits are Cyrus Nitura from Perpetual Help, Cyril Gonzales from University of the Philippines, and Drex delos Reyes from National U.
Game time is at 2:30 p.m., which will be followed by the duel between last year’s runner-up College of St. Benilde and San Beda at 5 p.m.