A rough 0-3 start could have derailed Mapúa's campaign, but the Cardinals refused to let their early struggles define their NCAA Season 102.

Under returning head coach Chito Victolero, Mapúa has strung together six straight victories to record the longest winning streak in the group-phase era and emerge as one of the league's hottest teams.

At the center of the Cardinals' resurgence is Cyrus Cuenco, who has embraced a bigger role in his final collegiate season as he looks to leave a lasting mark on the program.

"Coach Chito and my teammates really trust me, especially since they always set me up [to take shots]," Cuenco told ESPN in Filipino. "I just want to return that trust. I also have to step up as a senior and as an individual because I want to prove myself and leave a legacy at Mapua."

Cuenco has backed up that ambition with consistent production, averaging 16.6 points on 39.9% field-goal shooting, along with 3.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game across nine games.

He has also converted 37% of his three-point field goals, averaging eight attempts per contest.

The veteran guard erupted for a career-high 28 points, including seven triples, against the EAC Generals to help Mapúa escape with an overtime victory.

The 24-year-old captain delivered again against the Perpetual Altas, scoring nine of the Cardinals' 11 points in the extra period to secure another hard-earned win. He finished with 17 points and eight rebounds, proving he can attack the glass while also being a perimeter threat.

Mapúa's ability to close out tight games has been a defining part of its turnaround. Since rookie guard Jamal Diaz drilled the game-winning dagger against defending champion San Beda Red Lions to secure its first win, the team has found ways to come out on top in games that could have gone either way.

They have appeared in three of the six overtime games this season and won all, showing composure in situations where one possession could decide the outcome.

But the recovery was not built on the court alone. Following their winless start, Mapúa alumni, including Season 99 Rookie MVP and Season 100 Finals MVP Clint Escamis, reached out to the current squad to remind them that their campaign was far from over.

Those conversations became a turning point for Cuenco and the Cardinals, as they shifted their mindset and regained their confidence after a dismal opening stretch.

"We were just told that it was not over yet and that our 0-3 start would not define us as a team," Cuenco said.

"We started thinking like winners instead of losers, and that change in mindset made a big difference for us."

That renewed confidence has translated into a perfect 5-0 run in the crossover round, with the Cardinals handing T-MC Ongotan and the Arellano Chiefs their first loss of the season and taking down last season's runner-up Letran Knights.

Cuenco has been part of a balanced offensive attack alongside Diaz, Ivan Lazarte, Yam Concepcion, and Marcus Nitura, allowing Mapúa to sustain its winning streak without relying on a single scorer.

Mapúa, which once found itself in the bottom pit, has now climbed to the No. 3 spot in Group A, just behind the CSB Blazers and the top-seeded JRU Heavy Bombers.

Despite the turnaround, Victolero remained focused on what the Cardinals must improve heading into the final round of eliminations.

"We are happy but not content," Victolero said.

"We want to be more cohesive and develop the maturity and confidence we need going into the next round. The goal was to win at least three out of five matches [in the crossover], so it's really good for us to finish 5-0."

As Mapúa returns to the Group of Death, the challenge is to sustain its winning form without becoming complacent. Cuenco knows the streak alone will not guarantee further success, especially with tougher games ahead.

"We are going to prepare well, go back to reviewing games, and get back to training," Cuenco said.

"After all, Coach Chito always reminds us that the most important game is the one in front of us."