Mapua University’s final four hopes are still alive after taking advantage of a Cade Flores-less Arellano University, 67-47, in the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Cardinals stepped on the gas pedal right from the get-go. They secured an eight-point advantage after the opening frame, 16-8.
Jomer Mercado gave Mapua its biggest lead in the first half following an offensive board and a deuce, 36-21 to end the half.
The lead grew to its biggest, 56-28, following an Adrian Nocum drive to the basket at exactly 8:18 in the fourth. At this point, the lead was just too much for the Chiefs to recover.
“Makikita mo talaga sa umpisa yung mga body language ng mga players e. Sabi ko kung yung starters, nagpakita ng ganyan… Dapat yung second unit, third unit mahiya naman kayo sa nag-start na ganun yung energy. So naghawa-hawa lang at nag-perform sila ng maayos,” said Cardinals head coach Randy Alcantara.
Mapua’s bench outscored Arellano, 44-23.
Juaqui Garcia led the scoring for the Cardinals with 13 points, two rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Meanwhile, Mercado added 10 markers, six boards, and two dimes.
Nocum had a good well-rounded performance of 10 markers, nine boards, and five dimes.
For Arellano, the combo guard of Shane Menina and Axel Doromal both had 10 apiece. The former had five assists and three steals, while the latter contributed two boards and a dime.
Both teams now have an identical 6-9 win-loss record – good enough for the sixth and seventh spots.
The Cardinals will look to take what’s theirs against San Beda University on Saturday at 3:00 PM. On the other hand, the Chiefs will look to bounce back versus University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Tuesday, also at 3:00 PM.
The Scores:
Mapua 67 –– Garcia 13, Nocum 10, Mercado 10, Hernandez 8, Cuenco 8, Pido 5, Agustin 5, Bonifacio 3, Soriano 2, Salenga 2, Lacap 1, Igliane 0.
Arellano 47 — Menina 10, Doromal 10, Abastillas 8, Tolentino 6, Sunga 4, Mallari 3, Oftana 3, Mantua 2, Talampas 1, Oliva 0.
Quarterscores: 16-8, 36-21, 52-28, 67-47.
