Mapua University held on against a late-game rally from Emilio Aguinaldo College, emerging victorious in a close contest 69-66 win and bouncing back in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Cardinals controlled the game for much of the first three quarters, building a lead of as much as 13 points.
This advantage was capped by a three-pointer from prized rookie Lawrence Mangubat, giving Mapua a 52-39 lead with 56 seconds left in the third quarter.
However, the lead began to shrink in the fourth quarter as EAC mounted a comeback. Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara faced a setback when veteran JC Recto was ejected at the opening minute of the fourth quarter following a closed-fist hit on Harvey Pagsanjan.
EAC capitalized on Recto’s absence, tightening the game.
With 50 seconds remaining, Mapua’s lead was reduced to a single possession after Wilmar Oftana split his free throws, making it 69-66. The Cardinals struggled offensively on their next possession but tightened their defense, ultimately stifling King Gurtiza’s drive to the rim as time expired to secure the win.
After the game, Alcantara praised his young squad for their composure under pressure, especially highlighting the performance of his rookies.
“Very proud kasi nakita natin na 10 rookies yan eh so sa ngayon ito pa yung time para maano sila doon sa naiwan sa last year’s lineup. Masaya ako sa pinakita nila, sa performance nila, especially yun nga mga rookies namin, Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat. Alam naman natin hindi ganong kadali manalo dito sa NCAA. Very proud at nakaka-inspire lalo, siyempre first win nakakatuwa,” Alcantara explained.
Mangubat led the Cardinals with 15 points, all from three-point range, shooting 5-of-11. JC Recto added 12 points despite playing only 15 minutes due to his ejection.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis, despite an off shooting night, contributed 10 points, four rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
Chris Hubilla, battling his own shooting slump, recorded nine points and 10 rebounds on 1-of-8 shooting.
Mapua’s win improves their record to 1-1 for the season. The Cardinals will face University of Perpetual Help Systems DALTA on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Harvey Pagsanjan led EAC with 14 points and seven rebounds, outperforming his former teammate Escamis. King Gurtiza was the only other General in double digits with 11 points.
The Generals also fall to 1-1 for the season and will have another challenging matchup ahead as the Generals take on the College of Saint Benilde Blazers on Saturday at 2:30 p.m., also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
Mapua 69 – Mangubat 15, Recto 12, Escamis 10, Hubilla 9, Cuenco 6, Igliane 6, Jabonete 6, Bancale 4, Ryan 1, Agemenyi 0, Concepcion 0, Fermin 0
EAC 66 – Pagsanjan 14, Gurtiza 11, Oftana 8, Loristo 6, Bagay 6, Lucero 5, Bcud 4, Doromal 4, Quinal 4, Ochavo 2, Manacho 1, De Vera 1, Umpad 0, Luciano 0, Angeles 0
Quarterscores: 24-13, 39-27, 56-48, 69-66
