Just minutes after the ejection of Letran’s Mark Louie Sangalang due to a disqualifying foul for throwing the ball into the face of Mapua’s team captain Warren Bonifacio in the first canto, allegations were thrown to the Mapua’s 6’4 pound-for-pound forward for mimicking the infamous “Pennisi flop” during the NCAA’s “Battle of Intramuros.”
The Letran Knights prevailed over the Cardinals, 80-60.
In a chat interview with the official campus radio station of Mapua University, the Mapua Radio Cardinal, the 23-year-old San Simon, Pampanga native, Bonifacio, said that the fall was not intentional after all.
“It is not a flop, and I was hit in the head.” the soft-spoken Captain said in Filipino.
Moreover, the currently 3rd-year Computer Engineering student also said that he does not even care what people say about the video, which even trended in sports YouTube vlogs and the Fastbreak website.
“Pero wala naman sa akin yun kahit pag-usapan pa na ganoon, hindi ko naman control yung sinasabi ng mga tao. Kung ano man isipin nila sa video na iyon nasa kanila na iyon.” Bonifacio said.
The captain scored 6 points and season-low three rebounds in a loss against the defending champion Letran.
Cap’s Takeaways
Undefeated for the first three games, we have asked the captain for his takeaways on facing a star-laden squad Letran Knights.
According to Bonifacio, the main problem they faced during the Battle of Intramuros was the communication on and off the court.
“Bali ang naging first problem talaga namin is yung communication and yung gigil manalo. Unlike sa first three games namin, both nawala yung communication and gigil sa game against Letran.” he said.
He also added that it is a wake-up call for them not to be oblivious in the following games, for every match counts.
“Need namin makabawi sa next game agad para makabalik tayo sa winning track.” according to the captain.
On Letran’s Hype
Ever since before Day 1, Letran has been the heavy favorite for the crown. Not just because they are the defending champions, but because of a star-studded line-up headed by Fran Yu, Jeo Ambohot, Allen Mina, and former UST’s Growling Tigers Brent Paraiso and Rhenz Abando.
We have asked the captain about his insights on Letran’s hype.
“Alam namin yung sobrang hyped talaga sa kanila.” the former Malayan Red Robin said.
However, he said that his team's main goal is to eye for the Final Four spot and win every single game, one step at a time.
“Wala tayo magagawa doon kung hindi bawian natin sila sa finals or final four.” Bonifacio concluded.
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