24 September 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – Mapua University keeps their semis hopes alive after beating Arellano University, 93-67, on Tuesday in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
“So proud doon sa mga players ko na talagang tinrabaho, defense and offense,” said Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara. “Nag-click ‘yung outside shooting namin, three-points namin.”
The Cardinals were in control of the game as they took on an early nine-point lead in the first half, 42-33. Joaqui Garcia then exploded four triples in the second half that blew Mapua’s lead to as much as 29 points, 89-60.
Mapua was on fire as they shot nearly 51% from the field and outrebounded Arellano with a 48-30 advantage, along with a 22-11 lead on assists.
Justin Serrano and Cyril Gonzales combined for 29 points, while Garcia made four of his five three-pointers for 12 markers. Warren Bonifacio and Noah Lugo chipped in 11 points each, with the latter contributing eight rebounds, and six assists.
Mapua improved to a 6-6 win-loss record that tied them for fifth and sixth places with De La Salle-College of St. Benilde.
Meanwhile, Kent Salado led Arellano with 23 points, eight assists, and six rebounds as they dropped to a 3-10 slate this season.
The Scores:
MAPUA 93 – Serrano 15, Gonzales 14, Garcia 12, Lugo 11, Bonifacio 11, Victoria 10, Nocum 5, Bunag 4, Aguirre 4, Gamboa 3, Salenga 2, Jabel 2, Nieles 0, Dela Cruz 0
ARELLANO 67 – Salado 23, Alcoriza 14, Espiritu 7, Sunga 6, Concepcion 3, Bayla 3, Arana 4, Sablan 3, Talampas 3, Segura 2, Sacramento 0, De Guzman 0
Quarter scores: 19-15, 42-33, 69-52, 93-67.
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