By: Brenn Allen Flores
Mapua University used a strong second-half surge to defeat Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 86-78, to keep solo second in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
The win lifted the Cardinals to a 9-3 record, securing solo second place in the standings, while the Knights fell to fifth with an even 6-6 slate.
Mapua dominated the boards, outrebounding Letran 40-27, led by Chris Hubilla’s career-high 19 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists—just shy of a triple-double.
“Ang maganda lang is gumana ‘yung depensa namin kasi nakita natin ‘yung kay (Jace) Miller and even ‘yung bigs ng Letran, talagang gumana. Talagang pumukpok kami sa depensa, hindi pwedeng mag-relax kami,” said Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara postgame.
The Cardinals started strong with a 22-10 run, but Letran fought back behind Rafael Go and Kobe Monje, briefly taking a 28-27 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter, entering halftime tied at 44-all.
Trailing 50-49 midway through the third, Mapua ignited a 16-10 run to seize control, 66-59, heading into the final period.
In the fourth, Letran attempted to rally, but Hubilla and JC Recto combined for 13 points down the stretch to seal the 86-78 victory for Mapua.
With Marc Igliane suspended due to a disqualifying foul in their previous game, Recto stepped up with 14 points and six rebounds.
John Jabonete and Lawrence Mangubat added 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Reigning MVP Clint Escamis struggled, finishing with just five points and five assists.
Mapua will face San Beda University in a crucial game on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, with Jimboy Estrada suspended and Paolo Javillonar sidelined by injury, Jace Miller and Kobe Monje paced Letran with 14 points each, while Deo Cuajao chipped in 13 points.
Letran will look to rebound against San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
The Scores:
Mapua 86 – Hubilla 19, Recto 14, Jabonete 13, Mangubat 10, Bancale 9, Cuenco 7, Escamis 5, Abdulla 4, Concepcion 3, Garcia 2, Ryan 0, Fermin 0
Letran 78 – Miller 14, Monje 14, Cuajao 13, Montecillo 7, Santos 6, Go 6, Dimaano 5, Tagotongan 5, Jumao-As 4, Delfino 2, Nunag 2, Sarza 0
Quarterscores: 27-28, 44-44, 66-59, 86-78
