Chris Hubilla and Mapua University delivered a reality check to Colegio de San Juan de Letran, securing a 77-62 victory to extend their win streak to three in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre in San Juan City.
Both the Cardinals and the Knights entered the game riding two-game winning streaks, but it was the experience of Mapua that ultimately prevailed.
Hubilla, who initially committed to Letran before transferring, showcased his talents with a career-high 18 points and 12 rebounds, earning a double-double.
“Ginagawa ko lang talaga yung tiwala na binibigay ng coaches sa akin. Lagi nila sinasabi sa akin na kahit nagkakamali ako, nandiyan pa rin ako sa loob. Sinasabi nila na, ‘Kaya mo yan, gawin mo lang best mo,’” expressed the bruising former San Beda Red Cub.
He reflected on his journey, saying, “Nagpalipat-lipat ako nun. Nakuha ko na rin yung team na magagamit yung talent ko.”
Mapua’s win was comprehensive, limiting the high-octane Knights offense to just eight points in the opening stanza.
The Cardinals built a commanding lead, reaching as high as 20 points at 62-42 early in the final frame.
Key contributions came from Marc Cuenco, Lawrence Mangubat, and Clint Escamis.
Cuenco tallied 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while rookie Mangubat added 13 points on four three-pointers.
Escamis, the reigning MVP, contributed 12 points, six assists, five rebounds, and a steal in 34 minutes of play.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will face the surging Lyceum Pirates on Tuesday.
On the other hand, rookie Jimboy Estrada led the Knights with 19 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Pao Javillonar, who previously scored a career-high 28 points against Arellano, was limited to just 11 points in this contest.
The Knights will next take on the Blazers on Sunday in an all-Strong Group showdown.
The Scores:
Mapua 77 – Hubilla 18, Cuenco 13, Mangubat 13, Escamis 12, Recto 8, Bancale 7, Jabonete 4, Concepcion 4, Igliane 2, Agemenyi 0, Ryan 0, Pantaleon 0.
Letran 62 – Estrada 19, Javillonar 11, Montecillo 9, Cuajao 7, Monje 4, Dimaano 3, Go 3, Jumao-as 3, Delfino 2, Miller 1, Nunag 0, Pradella 0, Tagotongan 0, Santos 0, Baliling 0.
Quarterscores: 14-8, 38-28, 55-40, 77-62.
