The stories of Mapua University’s failed title bid last year fuels Chris Hubilla drive to succeed in Season 100 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball finals.

Speaking after the Cardinals’ 84-73 win over College of Saint Benilde at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday, Hubilla told DAILY TRIBUNE he is doing everything he can to stop Blazers big man Allen Liwag.

Hubilla had a near double-double output of nine points and nine rebounds for Mapua in Game 1.

“We’re really tired because it’s not easy to defend against Liwag. We really need to get him out of the paint,” Hubilla said.

“Andre (Igliane) and I are the ones in charge so that we can limit Liwag. Liwag is not easy to control.”

The Blazers big man was able to get a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds but these hardly mattered as Mapua currently has a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three championship series.

Now on the cusp of ending the Cardinals’ 33-year wait, the 21-year-old Hubilla said they can’t relax as they expect Saint Benilde to get back stronger in Game 2 at the Big Dome.

“I think we shouldn’t be complacent. We still have a long way to go,” Hubilla said.

“ I hope that in Game 2, we’ll give our best. It’s a good thing that we were able to dictate Game 1.” Ivan Suing