THE Mapua University Cardinals drew double-digit outputs from five veterans to put away the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 79-69, yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.
Cardinals’ coach Atoy Co was in a joyful mood after they picked up their first win that ended a 12-game losing streak in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Laurenz Victoria led his teammates with 19 points and four rebounds as the Cardinals went on to claim their second triumph in 14 outings.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, laban lang tayo,” said Co after he utilized only nine players throughout the game.
Victoria’s hook and driving shot in the last 1:25 came after Christian Bunag’s layup allowed Mapua to tie the match, 69-all.
From there, the Cardinals made an effort to deny the Blazers eight good scoring chances.
From the four-point lead, they got off Victoria’s baskets, the Cardinals went on to enjoy a 10-point spread in the final minute.
Denniel Aguirre had 15 for the Cardinals, while JP Nieles, Cedric Pelayo and Leo Gabo added 11 each.
In the junior action, the defending champion Malayan Red Robins clamped down on scoring ace Joel Cagulangan in the final period as they beat the La Salle Greenhills Greenies, 71-62.
Carl Lacap showed the way with 14 points for the Red Robins, who assured themselves of the no. 1 seeding in the Final Four with their 12-2 card.
Joaqui Garcia, who struggled with an injured knee in the third, returned just in time to score a timely triple in the last 4:34.
Garcia’s trey allowed the Red Robins to move out of reach, 64-60.
“Nagawa na namin ang gusto. Alam namin na ‘di namin masi-zero si Cagulangan. At least man lang, nahirapan at ‘di naka-contribute iyung iba,” said Red Robins’ coach Randy Alcantara.
The Greenies, with Cagulangan making 15 and Joshua Marcos hitting 14, are in second, assured of the no. 2 seeding in the Final Four.
Meanwhile, College of St. Benilde and San Beda completed an 11-game sweep to crown themselves champions of the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, of the 93rd NCAA table tennis tournament at the Harrison Plaza Activity Center in Manila.
Spearheaded by eventual tournament MVP Ryan Rodney Jacolo, the Blazers defeated everyone who stood on their way and then completed the title sweep by beating the Letran Knights to register their fourth straight crown.
Jacolo teamed up with Serknight Benoy, Joshua Padilla and James Sy, who were coached by Rudolph Palermo, to accomplish the feat.
For the Kurt de Guzman-mentored Lady Red Paddlers, they snared their fifth consecutive women’s championship.
And like St. Benilde, San Beda emerged undefeated as MVP Abrianne Dominique Nuevao, Angelica Sanchez, Kryslyn Manez and Rismae Bernal blew away the field.
San Beda, backstopped by MVP Ryan Daniel Jurado, also topped the juniors’ side to claim its seventh crown.
Games Today
(The Arena in San Juan)
8 a.m. UPHSD vs JRU (jrs)
10 a.m. EAC vs Letran (jrs)
12 noon UPHSD vs JRU (srs)
2 p.m. EAC vs Letran (srs)
4 p.m. LPU vs SSC (srs)
6 p.m. LPU vs SSC (jrs)