Mapua University head coach Randy Alcantara expressed his confidence in guard Paolo Hernandez' ability to make the big shot as he steered Cardinals to a 59-56 triumph of Jose Rizal University in the NCAA Season 97 on Friday.
Hernandez' heroics late in this game brought life to Mapua after he made a crucial bucket from downtown that turned a one-point lead into a four-point cushion, 57-53, with 42 seconds left in the game.
That shot was huge for the Cardinals as they had squandered a 14-point advantage from the first half.
Alcantara said Hernandez, a former NCAA Season 94 Juniors Finals MVP, is one of his fearless wards, especially in making those clutch baskets.
"Talagang titira at titra 'yan sa mga crucial parts. Buo ang loob [niya] at buti nga nag-connect dahil frustrated na frustrated na siya pero sabi ko su-shoot din 'yan so ayun, na-shoot nung pinakaimportante na part," said Alcantara.
The win catapulted Mapua to the top of the early standings with an unscathed 2-0 card, forging a three-way tie with Letran and San Beda, who were successful in their first two assignments.
"Nakalusot na naman sa mahirap na game pero 'yun nga, hindi sumuko 'yung mga players hanggang sa dulo," added Alcantara. "Buti na lang naka-connect especially 'yung shot ni Paolo Hernandez na talagang ayun 'yung bumuhay sa amin."
Hernandez finished with a team-high output of 13 points to go along with seven rebounds, one steal, and a block in just nearly 27 minutes of action.
"Good thing na hindi bumitaw sa depensa, sana sumandal pa rin kami sa depensa namin [sa mga susunod na games]."
—JMB, GMA News
