THE Mapua Cardinals charged back from an 11-point deficit and leaned on the heroics of Joseph Eriobu to escape with a 67-63 beating of the Perpetual Help Altas Friday at The Arena in San Juan.
Allwell Oraeme tallied a game-high 14 points for the Cardinals, who finished the eliminations with a 12-6 record that earned them the no. 3 seeding in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Darren Menina only had five points, but he capped a big comeback from 11 points down at the end of the third with a triple in the last 2:56, allowing the Cards to overtake the Altas, 63-62, in the ensuing play.
The Altas, playing without Bright Akhuetie after he was benched for disciplinary reasons, took the no. 4 seeding after absorbing their seventh setback against 11 wins.
Eriobu scored on the right side off CJ Isit’s pass following a turnover in the last 1:15, and the Cards moved away, 65-62.
Prince Eze hit 15 points for the Altas, but misfired twice as he tried to help his team move back into the lead in the final minute.
Then, Eriobu struck again after he got scolded by coach Atoy Co for not passing the ball quickly, getting fouled in the process by Altas cager Daryl Singontiko in the last 3.4 seconds. His two charities in the ensuing play handed the Cards a four-point edge as time expired.
Meanwhile, the College of St. Benilde Blazers finally won, pulling off a 65-61 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University.
The Blazers, led by Senegalese Clement Lentcheu with 18, rallied from a 13-point, fourth-quarter deficit to nail their first win after dropping 17 straight games.
“This is an emotional win not just for me but also the players and the team,” said St. Benilde coach Gabby Velasco.
Meanwhile, Javee Mocon unloaded 19 points, including seven in the pivotal third period, to help power the San Beda Red Lions to a 91-81 subduing of the Arellano Braves. With their similar 14-4 slates, the Red Lions and the Chiefs will meet on Tuesday in a playoff for the no. 1 seeding.