Mapua’s Chris Hubilla during an NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball game against Letran Knights. –NCAA Photo
MANILA, Philippines—It’s safe to say that Mapua rookie Chris Hubilla has had enough heartbreaks.
Fueled by frustrating first-round losses in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball, Hubilla powered the Cardinals past Season 97 Finals rival Letran, 86-78, with a stellar outing.
READ: NCAA 100: Led by rookie Chris Hubilla, Mapua trips Letran
“Like we said, we learned things in the first round that we’re bringing here. Our losses in the first round hurt and we don’t want that happening here in the second [round],” said the newcomer out of San Beda’s high school basketball program.
“We’re not looking to beat any particular team. We prepare well for everyone. We know it’s not easy to get a win in the NCAA.”
Hubilla was just one assist shy of posting a triple-double finishing 19 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
The last time the league saw a triple-double posted was two years ago when Perpetual Help’s Cedrick Abis dropped 13 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
READ: NCAA 100: Clint Escamis thankful for ‘endgame man’ Marc Cuenco
But going after personal glory isn’t the reason behind Hubilla’s all-around play as he helped Mapua keep the second seed on lock with a 9-3 card.
“Sometimes I get too frustrated that I’m not able to do what I need to do. It just so happened that I got this performance today because whoever we’re facing, I always do my best,” said Hubilla.
The Cardinals, who won third straight, are just half a game behind the St. Benilde Blazers, who hold a 9-2 card at top spot.
“We’ve learned a lot from teams like [San] Beda, Benilde, that we won’t allow ourselves to lose in the end. We’ll keep grinding and be consistent. Sometimes we collapse in the end but we won’t let that happen again,” Hubilla said.