THE Mapua Cardinals drew 19 points from Andrew Estrella and endured a tense encounter with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 82-72, yesterday at the Arena in San Juan.
The Cardinals struck hard in the last six minutes of the third period and never let go of the lead to post the scrambling victory and firm up their hold of fourth spot in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
Almel Orquina tallied 18 points, including a penetration in the last 5:57 which moved the Cardinals away from a tight 43-42 contest with the Generals.
This touched off an 8-2 spurt for Mapua as the Cardinals nursed 51-44 spread in the final 3:12.
“This win gives us confidence in our coming games,” said team skipper Darren Menina, who scored 14 points along with JR Raflores. The Generals share the same 5-10 card with Lyceum and San Sebastian College.
There were a few tense moments before the final two minutes of the game. Cardinal Laurenz Victoria almost came to blows with EAC’s Hamadou Laminou following a loose ball situation after Mapua posted an 80-66 lead.
The defending champion San Beda Red Cubs and the La Salle Greenhills Greenies repulsed their rivals to stay on course for the top two Final Four semifinals seats in the junior division.
Sam Abu Hijle led with 22 points for the Red Cubs as they demolished the Letran Squires, 96-83.
Unique Naboa drilled in 25 points for the Greenies in their 85-72 swamping of the Lyceum Junior Pirates.
The Red Cubs picked up their 14th win in 15 games. This allowed them to stay in contention for the no. 1 semis slot.
The Junior Pirates leaned on a 9-0 run in the fourth period off triples from Naboa and Haribon Espinosa which turned the tables on the Junior Pirates, who were ahead, 59-58, at the close of the third.
Joshua Tagala made 12 points, including eight in the first as the Red Cubs took control with a 27-13 spread.
“The game was physical. But the boys fought it out. We need to secure the no. 1 position,” said Red Cubs assistant coach Noli Mejos.
Treys from Naboa and Espinosa allowed the Greenies to enjoy a 67-59 edge in the ensuing play.
“We adjusted. Lyceum was pushing the ball and trying to attack early. This got us off-balanced. So we slowed them down with our defense,” said LSGH coach Marvin Bienvenieda.
Games Today
(at the Arena in San Juan)
12 nn JRU vs Perpetual Help
2 p.m. San Beda vs Lyceum
4 p.m. Arellano vs Letran