By: Bjorn Del Deade
Mapua University bounced back in dominant fashion, handing San Sebastian College-Recoletos its fifth straight loss, 91-72, to claim a share of second place in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Friday.
The Cardinals improved their record to 4-2 after bouncing back from a tough defeat against the Lyceum Pirates last Tuesday.
With the victory, they tied the Perpetual Altas and the Letran Knights in the standings.
Marc Cuenco had a career night, leading the charge with 26 points and three rebounds.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis added 25 points and four rebounds of his own.
Mapua took control early, seizing the lead midway through the first quarter and never looking back.
In the third quarter, the Cardinals caught fire, outscoring the Golden Stags 26-13 to create a commanding lead.
San Sebastian, who trailed by as many as 11 points in the second quarter, briefly showed signs of life when a Tristan Felebrico three-pointer cut the deficit to just three, 43-40, early in the third.
However, Escamis quickly responded with a three-point play that sparked a massive 21-5 run. Cuenco’s layup capped off the surge, giving Mapua a comfortable 18-point lead, 63-45, entering the final period.
From there, the Cardinals continued to pull away, extending their advantage to as much as 24 points in the game’s closing minutes, 90-66.
Mapua shot an impressive 49.2-percent from the field, draining eight three-pointers and dominating inside the paint with a 42-14 advantage.
The Cardinals aim to carry this momentum into their next matchup against the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Sunday, September 29, at 12 p.m.
For San Sebastian, Felebrico led the way with 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Rafael Are added 17 points and four steals in a losing effort.
The Golden Stags will attempt to snap their losing streak when they face the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazeres on Tuesday, October 1.
The Scores:
Mapua 91 – Cuenco 26, Escamis 25, Hubilla 12, Bancale 6, Igliane 6, Jabonete 6, Concepcion 6, Mangubat 4, Abdulla 0, Fermin 0, Pantaleon 0, Agemenyi 0
San Sebastian 72 – Felebrico 20, Are 17, Aguilar 9, Cruz 8, Escobido 7, L. Gabat 3, Suico 3, Velasco 2, Lintol 2, R. Gabat 1, Pascual 0, Ricio 0, Ramilo 0
Quarterscores: 22-12, 39-35, 65-48, 91-72
