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While most people may now closely associate him with roles in television hits like First Lady and Descendants of the Sun, Kapuso actor Rocco Nacino also has an intimate connection with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), being an alumnus of Mapua University, or the Mapua Institute of Technology when he was still studying there.

Just like every Mapua alum, Rocco also expressed excitement at his alma mater's strong showing during the NCAA Season 97 basketball tournament. Mapua University's entry into the finals this season marked the first time the Cardinals made it to the top two since 1991, 31 years ago.

In an interview right before the NCAA Season 97 All-Star Basketball game, Rocco shared his thoughts about the achievement and his excitement for the team's future.

“I was rooting for Mapua syempre! It's a feat for them. It's nice to know na nag level-up na 'yung players nila. It serves as good morale for the whole university and sana mangyari ulit and sana mag-champion na. Matagal ko na ring pinapangarap, since college pa,” he shared.

As part of the NCAA Season 97 All-Star Basketball game, Rocco got his opportunity to play against some of the Mapua Cardinals stars like Warren Bonifacio and Paolo Hernandez.

Rocco played for Team Saints, alongside Kim Aurin, Ichie Altamirano, Rhenz Abando, Ralph Penuela, Will Gozum, Jielo Razon, Ammar Cosari, Brent Paraiso, Yukien Andrada, Prince Carlos, Paul Salas, Gil Cuerva, Pancho Magno, Jose Sarasola, and Kirst Viray.

Meanwhile, Warren Bonifacio and Paolo Hernandez were on the opposing Team Heroes, made up of Mclaude Guadaña, JL Delos Santos, Gelo Sablan, Ralph Robin, Enoch Valdez, Marvin Dionisio, Kai Oliva, Allen Liwag, Jason Abalos, Mavy Legaspi, David Licauco, Ervic Vijandre, and Luis Hontiveros.

Check out some of the scenes from the NCAA Season 97 Basketball game in the gallery below.