Cuenco fuels Mapua’s sixth straight victory
Mapua extended its winning streak to six games with a commanding 71-43 victory over San Sebastian in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Monday.
The Cardinals cruised to their sixth straight win to improve to 6-3 in Group A, bolstering their momentum in the tightly contested bracket.
“Coach Chito [Victolero] always reminds us that the most important game is the one right in front of us,” Cyrus Cuenco said.
“This win is extremely important, especially since we’re in the group of death. It gives us a huge boost in momentum.”
Cuenco, the reigning Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Week, spearheaded Mapua’s offense with 25 points on 60 percent shooting from the field, along with three steals and two assists.
But Cuenco stressed that the Cardinals remain focused on their ultimate goal: bringing the NCAA championship back to Muralla.
“We want to establish an identity as winners. We want to leave a legacy, both individually and as a team,” he said.
“Our only goal is to win, especially since this is my final year. I want to prove something. I want to help the team and our community bring the championship back home.”
Yam Concepcion added a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Cardinals.
San Sebastian, coming off a heartbreaking one-point loss to Lyceum, remained winless through nine games.
Caesleyh Bacani led the Golden Stags with 12 points, while Ralph Gabbat chipped in 10.
