Future is bright for Mapua despite Final Four exit

Mapua Cardinals hold their head up high despite exit in the Final Four. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Despite the Final Four exit, Mapua remains satisfied with their showing in NCAA Season 91.

Losing to Letran, 90-91 on Tuesday, the Cardinals are still happy to have made it to the Final Four for the first time since 2010.

READ: Letran nips Mapua, returns to NCAA Finals

“We’re happy to make it this far,” said graduating star Josan Nimes. “We’re still disappointed that we couldn’t make it to the championship. But we made it this far so why give up? We’re still thankful and fortunate that we made it this far. Overall, we’re disappointed but we’re still happy.”

Nimes said that the whole Mapua is elated with a chance to once again contend in the playoffs.

“For a host to perform like this, nobody really expected that from us. We made the whole Mapua community happy,” he said.

Leading MVP candidate Allwell Oraeme also the Cardinals had a good run despite coming up short.

READ: Oraeme focused on Mapua Final 4 run, not on MVP race

“It’s really a good season. Coming from last year, nobody expected us to be here. It was a good run.”

Though the Nigerian big man rued the missed chance, he still felt that Season 91 was a good building block for the future of the Cardinals.

“We could’ve won this game but I think God knows we did our best. We’re confident that we’ll do better next year. We really wanted to play in the Finals, but it wasn’t for us today. We have to stay positive and look forward to the next season,” said Oraeme.

Mapua will lose Nimes, Andretti Stevens, Mark Braña, and Raphael Layug at the end of the year, but with the performances of returnees like Oraeme, JP Nieles, Darell Menina, Denniel Aguirre Justin Serrano, CJ Isit and Exeqiel Biteng, the Cardinals are shaping up to be a formidable contender for the seasons to come.

READ: CJ Isit rises at the right time for Mapua

“They’re gonna be really good. The core is still the same. They stepped up, contributed in the second round, and they’ll still be back. They’re gonna be a strong team next year, if not better,” said Nimes.