Mapúa University dismantled hapless San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 71-43, to secure its sixth consecutive win in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Cardinals wrapped up the crossover round unbeaten and now head into the final round of eliminations with a 6-3 record in Group A.
“Lagi naman sinasabi sa amin ni Coach Chito [Victolero] na ang pinaka-importanteng game na lalaruin namin is ‘yung present. So tina-take lang namin siya one game at a time, mag-focus lang kami sa game,” said Cyrus Cuenco.
Mapúa shook off a slow start with a 15-1 run to close out the first quarter with the lead. The Cardinals continued to dominate in the second period, taking a 33-24 advantage into halftime.
Cuenco then erupted after the break, scoring 17 points in the third quarter alone as Mapúa stretched its lead to an insurmountable 28 points.
The Cardinals led by as many as 32 points and held the Golden Stags to just 43 points, the lowest scoring output by any team this season.
“Sobrang importante na nakuha namin ‘yung panalo ngayon, siyempre, going back na sa bracket namin, sa Group of Death. Malaking bagay siya sa amin sa momentum namin pabalik sa grupo namin,” Cuenco added.
The senior guard finished with 25 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting clip, while Yam Concepcion posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Mapúa will look to extend its winning streak when it faces second-seeded College of Saint Benilde next Monday, October 26, at 3:00 p.m. at the same venue.
The Golden Stags, meanwhile, remained winless after nine games.
Kent Bacani paced San Sebastian with 12 points, while Ralph Gabat added 10.
San Sebastian will look to secure its first win of the season against Season 101 finalist Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Friday, October 23, at the same venue.
The Scores:
Mapúa 71 – Cuenco 25, Concepcion 11, Diaz 7, Igliane 6, Timbol 5, Liwanag 4, Ryan 4, Lazarte 3, M. Nitura 2, Razon 2, Bernabe 2, Dones 0, Mendoza 0, Reyes 0, L. Nitura.
San Sebastian 43 – Bacani 12, Gabat 10, Alforque 5, Suico 5, Ricio 4, Cuya 3, Ynot 2, Velasco 2, Muktimar 0, Castor 0, Kitane 0, Barroga 0, Cruz 0, Segovia 0, Chuidian 0.
Quarterscores: 22-14, 33-24, 60-32, 71-43.
