The three veterans of the Mapua Cardinals, Paolo Hernandez, Clint Escamis, and Warren Bonifacio, will once again provide leadership for their team when they clash with the Lyceum Pirates for the top spot in the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Their vast experience on the floor will help lift the Cardinals in their 4 p.m. battle with the Pirates at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena.
“Du’n pa rin tayo mag-rely doon sa tatlo. Ginampanan lang ‘yung role nila,” said Cardinals coach Randy Alcantara after their 69-66 triumph over the defending champion Letran Knights that pushed them to the top of the standings with a 9-2 win-loss record.
But, their grip of the solo lead is now touchy, after the Pirates moved in at close second (8-3) after they hurdled the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 81-78.
The Pirates, according to coach Gilbert Malabanan, took on the Generals while in a playful mood, which is good for the team, since this will relieve the squad of any psychological pressures that are building up within them.
The return of skipper Enoch Valdez from sickness is also expected to get the Pirates fired up.
“The team is starting to enjoy the game. And this is good. Nung wala si Enoch, they responded well. And that’s good,” said Malabanan, who noted the depth of the Pirates’ bench.