26 September 2019
Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – Mapua University kept their Final Four hopes alive in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament after beating Jose Rizal University 72-67, on Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
With the win, the Cardinals improved to a 7-6 win-loss record as they moved half a game behind No. 4 San Sebastian College.
“Natutuwa and masaya kasi one day preparation lang, di naming alam kung paano ipapahinga ang mga players pero still nag-response naman sila,” said Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara. “Nakakapagod pero kailangan naming gawin. Buti na lang bago sila nakahabol malaki na ang lamang namin.”
Mapua trailed behind, 30-31, in the first half. But, their renewed energy coming into the second half gave them a nine-point advantage, all the while limited the Heavy Bombers to only eight points at the third quarter, 48-39.
JRU threatened with a 15-2 run to come within five, 63-68, 1:25 minutes left in the game, but Laurenz Victoria sank back-to-back baskets that boosted the Cardinals towards victory.
Victoria had 13 points, while Justin Serrano added 12 markers. JP Nieles and Christian Bunag combined for 22 points, while Cyril Gonzales chipped in 10 markers in the win.
For JRU, Marq Dionisio finished with 15 points, while Agem Miranda and John Amores had 13 and 12 markers, respectively as they dropped to a 4-9 slate in the tournament.
The Scores:
Mapua (72) — Victoria 13, Serrano 12, Nieles 11, Bunag 11, Gonzales 10, Bonifacio 8, Aguirre 2, Salenga 2, Nocum 2, Garcia 0, Jabel 0, Gamboa 0.
JRU (67) — Dionisio 15, Miranda 13, Amores 12, Dela Rosa 8, Aguilar 8, Delos Santos 5, Arenal 2, Aboag 2, Jungco 2, Vasquez 0, Macatangay 0.
Quarter Scores: 12-15; 30-31; 48-39; 72-67
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