Andrew Estrella confidently heaved the ball for a last basket in the last five seconds.
Counted as a triple, his basket handed the Mapua University Cardinals a thrilling 78-75 win over the Letran Knights at the Arena in San Juan.
This also gave them the first win in two games in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament and moved them behind early leaders, the defending champion San Beda Red Lions, the Lyceum University Pirates and the College of St. Benilde Blazers.
The Blazers had earlier won by forfeiture their lost game to the University of Perpetual Help Altas.
The 23-year old Estrella showed the way with 18 points and seven rebounds.His big basket allowed the Cardinals to bounce back from their 82-91 loss to the Arelano University Chiefs in the opener.
He said the instructions of coach Atoy to take care of their final basket –boosted his confidence.
“Basta, tinira ko na lang iyung basket. Sabi ni coach, kunin ko iyung bola, akin iyung last shot,” remarked Estrella.
The Cardinals trailed by as much as seven points, and Estrella’s trey came after seven deadlocks.
The Knights had a chance to force an overtime. But, Rey Nambatac’s three-point attempt just bounced off the board at the buzzer.
Jerrick Balanza banged in 15 and 13 points for the Knights.