Alcantara puts premium on Cardinal rookies

By Ivan Suing

@tribunephl_ivan

Mapua University rookies Chris Hubila and Lawrence Mangubat are expected to fill in big roles in Season 100 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball finals on Sunday.

Cardinals head coach Randy Alcantara said these rookies will be their key players as they try to take an early 1-0 series lead against College of Saint Benilde at 2 p.m.

“If you’re a rookie and I see you giving your all in practice or in preseason, I will give you playing time. They are just repaying our trust in them,” Alcantara said.

“I have seen him (Hubilla) since NCAA Season 98 but wasn’t able to play for a year. You just need to bring back his confidence. For Mangubat, we know he’s capable of scoring.”

Hubilla and Mangubat’s numbers proved that they can provide solid back up to team captain and reigning Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis.

Hubilla averaged 12.89 points and 6.33 rebounds while Mangubat averaged 9.06 points and 4.06 rebounds.

Alcantara said they will be relying on everybody’s hunger and determination to finally end their 33-year wait for a title.

“We’ll see who is hungrier and will have more hustle. We need to be ready with our defense and make sacrifices,” Alcantara said.

“They’re going to need that with the pressure this series will have. Both teams will be hungry.”