With lesser expectations to work with, Mapua University’s Cyril Gonzales is finding success as an underdog after posting an NCAA-best 17 points in the Cardinals’ 73-58 victory against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Wednesday at the Filoil Centre.
From the verge of being booted out of contention, the Cardinals overcame the twice-to-beat disadvantage to drag the Blazers to a sudden death for the semifinal berth on Friday, thanks to Gonzales, who came off the bench and delivered 11 of his 17 markers in the fourth period.
In the absence of Clint Escamis’ usual numbers from last season, the Cardinals have been finding timely heroes in their rotation.
“We know his capacity, kung ano yung kaya niyang i-contribute sa team. It just shows na talagang maganda yung performance niya today. I think yun din yung reason kung bakit controlled yung numbers ni Clint kasi nga available yung teammates niya,” Mapua assistant coach Marlon Martin said.
Gonzales has finished as a runner-up twice in his two-season stint with University of the Philippines, now he is hoping to lift a trophy by helping Mapua in its title defense to make his collegiate swan song count.
“Kung ano man 'yung pwede kong idagdag na experience rito galing sa kabila, ina-apply ko lang. Sila coach, binibigyan ako ng free will to play. Malaki rin 'yung naitulong ng dati kong school para madala ko rito sa NCAA,” said Gonzales.
“Ganun naman talaga sila coach at teammates ko pag nakaka-score ako, suporta sila. Pero kaya rin ako nakaka-shoot kasi ang ganda ng depensa namin,” he added.
The 25-year-old guard believes that by taking some pressure off last season’s success, the team has managed to bear a favorable outcome in the playoffs after a roller-coaster campaign in the pool play.
However, the Cardinals understand that the Blazers are still standing in the way of their championship aspirations. And only by doubling down on effort can they make it through.
“Sa mga nangyari sa team namin this season parang naging underdogs kami. Para sa akin, mas maganda yun. Less expectations ng mga tao sa amin, yung pinagdaanan namin mas pinatibay kami hanggang sa makuha namin yung panalo. Less pressure rin. Maganda naman yung outcome,” he said.
“'Yung pinakita namin sa game na to kailangan doble o triple pa ibigay namin. Kilala n'yo naman yung Benilde. Hindi naman magpapatalo kahit sinong team naman pag natalo sa first game. Babawi talaga. Sila 'yung aggressors. Dadagdagan pa namin yung ipapakita namin especially on defense. May mga lapses din pero pagbubutihan namin sa ensayo pa lang.”
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
