Mapua University finally breached the win column of NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament after defeating Emilio Aguinaldo College, 67-55, on Saturday at the FilOi EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Cardinals ended the first round with a 1-8 win-loss record, while the Generals are still winless now with 0-7.
Only down by eight entering the final four-minute mark, EAC looked for one last push. Unfortunately, a booming triple from Joaqui Garcia boosted their lead to 11, 60-49.
Pao Hernandez put up the finishing touches with another triple, 63-49, to finally give the Cardinals the much-needed win.
“Of course syempre, masayng masaya. Very proud don sa nilaro ng mga players today. Nakita naman natin na talgang gustong gusto nila makuha tong first win namin,” said Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara.
The Generals were actually leading by a bucket, 16-15 to end the opening period after a buzzer-beating three from Ralph Robin.
Mapua came alive in the second canto after starting the quarter with a 20-6 run to get the 35-22 advantage following a Warren Bonifacio corner jumper.
The Cardinals dominated the bench production with 33 compared to the Generals’ 15.
Bonifacio paved the way for the Cardinals with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Hernandez added 12 markers, seven boards, and three dimes. Adrian Nocum and Garcia contributed 11 and 10 apiece.
For the Generals, Allen Liwag finished with a game-high of 22 markers on 6-of-14 shooting, together with seven boards and an assist. JP Maguliano had 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a block.
Next up for EAC is Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Wednesday at 12:00 NN.
The Scores:
Mapua 67 — Bonifacio 16, Hernandez 12, Nocum 11, Garcia 10, Pido 6, Cuenco 5, Salenga 4, Soriano 2, Parinas 1, Igliane 0, Mercado 0, Lacap 0.
EAC 55 — Liwag 22, Maguliano 11, Robin 10, Tolentino 5, Bajon 3, Luciano 1, Gurtiza 1, An. Doria 1, Cosa 1, Umpad 0, Balowa 0.
Quarterscores: 15-16, 35-27, 51-42, 67-55.
