The Mapua Cardinals grabbed their first winning streak after they stunned Perpetual Altas from a come-from-behind win on Thursday, 76-71 in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
With only nine players remaining in the line-up, the Cardinals played their best with nothing else to lose and managed to lift their card ahead of the St. Benilde Blazers, 3-12. Meanwhile, Perpetual dropped to a 4-11 slate.
It was a tough game from start to finish and Mapua was handed a challenge on the crucial last five minutes of the game when JP Nieles injured his left knee after a clash with Keith Pido, which led to Altas 65-59 lead.
But with Andoy Estrella, Mapua managed to clinch the win with his leadership as he knocked down a floater and a booming triple in the final minute. Estrella finished with 22 points, nine of which came in the final quarter, along with four rebounds and four assists.
“Kasi nung huling huddle namin, sabi lang namin para kay JP (Nieles) ang game na ‘to,” said Estrella.
GJ Ylagan tried to salvage the game with a three-point attempt, but failed to do so, as Leo Gabo put in the final basket to cap off the match.
Christian Bunag chipped in a double-double record of 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Laurenz Victoria had 14 points, nine rebounds for the win.
On the other hand, Ylagan tallied 22 points and six rebounds, while Pido finished with 18 markers and six boards.
Prince Eze added another double-double 15 points and 14 boards.
