Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 1) – The Mapua University Cardinals remains undefeated in NCAA Season 97 after pulling off another escape act against the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 59-56, on Friday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
With the close win, Mapua touts a 2-0 record and is tied with reigning titlists Colegio De San Juan De Letran and San Beda University on top of the team standings.
Just like their opening game win against the Arellano University Chiefs, the Cardinals delivered clutch moments down the line to escape with the victory.
Mapua guard Adrian Nocum willed himself to the paint to score the layup and give his school the lead, 54-53, with 1:10 remaining in the contest.
JRU playmaker Jason Celis tried to retake the lead, but his three-point basket went far from the ring.
Homegrown Mapua product Paolo Hernandez drained the big three-point shot in the final 40.9 seconds of the game to hand the Cardinals a two-possession lead, 57-53.
The Heavy Bombers responded with their own trey from an open Marwin Dionisio off an inbound pass for a 56-57 deficit.
JRU fouled Mapua big man Warren Bonifacio, the hero in their win against Arellano, in the next possession as he comfortably sank the two charities with 18.7 seconds remaining in the match.
The Heavy Bombers failed to force an overtime in the last play of the game, with Celis missing another three-point attempt and Hommer Macatangay fumbling in his layup.
Hernandez was Mapua’s top scorer with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Bonifacio produced a double-double performance of 12 markers and 11 boards.
John Delos Santos led JRU with 11 points, as their team fell at the bottom of the team standings with a 0-2 record.
Mapua will next battle San Sebastian College on Tuesday noon, while JRU will see action in the Sunday afternoon game against San Beda.
The Scores:
MAPUA 59 – Hernandez 13, Bonifacio 12, Agustin 9, Nocum 8, Lacap 8, Gamboa 4, Sual 3, Pido 2, Mercado 0, Garcia 0, Soriano 0, Asuncion 0.
JRU 56 – Delos Santos 11, Agbong 10, Celis 8, Arenal 8, Dionisio 5, Jungco 4, Bongay 2, Aguilar 2, G. Gonzales 2, Macatangay 0, Guiab 2, C. Gonzales 0.
Quarterscores: 18-11 29-21, 41-38, 59-56
