SPORTS | Radicals End PUBL Run on a High Note, Clinch Third Place vs Cardinals

Same rivals, different stakes.

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Radicals Men’s Basketball Team wrapped up their Philippine University Basketball League (PUBL) campaign with a commanding 92–65 victory over their familiar foe and defending champion Mapua Cardinals on May 2 at the PUP Gymnasium, securing third place in the tournament. 

What once felt like a championship-caliber matchup turned into a battle for third place, but the Sta. Mesa-based hoopers played with urgency from the opening buzzer. Setting the tone early, PUP dictated the pace and never looked back, shutting down every Mapua comeback attempt with disciplined defense and efficient offense.

The Radicals’ balanced attack proved overwhelming, with four players scoring in double figures. Montenegro led with 17 points, followed by Rivera with 14, Ramirez with 13, and Cueva with 11—underscoring the team’s depth and cohesion.

The victory marked a repeat win over Mapua, whom the Radicals had already defeated during the league’s opening game—further proving PUP’s edge in the matchup.

Head coach Daniel Espaldon emphasized the significance of the win as part of the team’s continuous development.

“It’s a good opportunity for us. We learned a lot from them,” Espaldon said. “Nakakatuwa, nakakataba ng puso. Hindi biro ‘yong tinalo natin. Nakita namin na tumataas ang level ng competitiveness ng team at grateful kami sa learning process.” 

Despite being undersized compared to other squads, the Radicals leaned on speed and discipline—something team captain John Sonsona pointed out as a key part of their preparation.

“From Monday to Saturday, mina-maximize lang namin during training yung bilis namin kasi undersized kami. Makikita naman na malalaki ang kalaban tulad ng UP, Benilde, at Mapua,” Sonsona said.

While the victory sealed third place for PUP in the PUBL standings, it came with mixed emotions for the squad, who had higher hopes entering the tournament.

“Sa totoo lang, masama loob namin na lumaban kami sa third place. Homecourt namin ito, at gusto sana naming lumaban sa championship,” Sonsona admitted. “Pero thankful pa rin kami na naiuwi namin yung third place.”

Looking ahead, the Radicals now turn their focus to the upcoming State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), aiming to carry over the lessons learned from their PUBL campaign.

“Mabibitbit namin ‘yong learnings at mapre-prepare pa namin ang mga bata kung ano pa ang kailangan para mas maging competitive,” Espaldon said.

Article: David Buenaventura

Graphics: Ericka Castillo