NCAA: Mapua rookie Laurence Mangubat shows experience beyond age

Mapua rookie Laurence Mangubat during an NCAA Season 100 game. –NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Mapua rookie Laurence Mangubat showed his experience despite being a newcomer for the Cardinals in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.

On Wednesday at San Juan Arena, Mapua outlasted Emilio Aguinaldo College, 69-66, with Mangubat leading all scorers despite being a rookie.

But Mangubat exploding on offense like a seasoned veteran didn’t surprise coach Randy Alcantara.

READ: NCAA: San Sebastian escapes Lyceum, rookie helps Mapua past EAC

After all, the sharpshooting guard may be new in the men’s division of the league, but he’s already shown his prowess for Mapua in the NCAA’s boys’ division.

“Laurence isn’t new here in the NCAA. He’s from the Red Robins program and we already saw in there that he’s a fighter and he has strong guts,” said Alcantara in Filipino.

“We all knew that he could bring something and he has potential. I’m proud of him. We need that, rookies who continue to improve so we can be deeper. He does a lot of extra work.”

Mangubat showed experience beyond his years with 15 points.

READ: NCAA: New to leadership role, Escamis keen to take Mapua to top

What’s even more impressive is Mangubat’s points all came from downtown, sinking five buckets on an efficient 45.5 percent clip.

The rookie’s heroics gave Mapua its first win of the young season at 1-1 and it’s all because he put in the extra work in practice.

“I really put extra work into my shot and it just showed up today,” said the 20-year-old guard. “I have to thank my coaches and all my teammates for giving me such confidence. I just did my role.”