Mapua University on Saturday lost to San Beda University to formally kiss its Final Four hopes goodbye, but the Cardinals vowed to end their NCAA Season 98 run on a high note.
At 6-10, Mapua will still face its last season's Finals opponent in Colegio de San Juan de Letran on November 19 and San Sebastian College-Recoletos on the 23rd.
And Mapua will look to win both of these matches before starting its preparation for Season 99.
"Nakakapanghinayang dahil may momentum na kami eh, if ever na nakuha namin 'to magkakaro'n kami ng chance sa Final Four," said skipper Warren Bonifacio on the heels of their 71-63 loss to San Beda.
"Kailangan na lang namin ngayon ay finish strong and kunin namin 'yung huling dalawang games namin para preparation na rin para sa next season kasi buo pa kami eh."
Mapua will see few changes next season as only three players will graduate in Arvin Gamboa, Jasper Salenga, and JJ Pido. The Cardinals will still be bannered by a core led by Bonifacio, Paolo Hernandez, Toby Agustin, and Rence Nocum.
Bonifacio said they will carry whatever lessons they learned this season over into next season.
"At least 'yung experience na nakuha namin sa first and second round, madadala namin sa next season," he added.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
