Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) – Mapua University Cardinals flexed their might against Perpetual Help Altas, 95-83, in NCAA Season 97 on Wednesday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Four Cardinals scored double digits with Toby Agustin leading the way with 24 points and five rebounds.
Brian Lacap notched 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists while Adrian Nocum and Warren Bonifacio each chipped in 13 points as they return to the winning track.
Mapua – which recovered from its two straight losses and improved to a 4-2 slate – dominated all game long with its consistent shooting rhythm and scintillating defense that enabled it to be ahead by double digits as early as the first quarter.
After a 26-point halftime lead, the Cardinals continued their scoring onslaught in the third quarter with Agustin and Lacap doing the damage in offense.
The Altas – who tied with the San Sebastian Stags in eight place with a 2-4 record – trimmed down their deficit to six points in the final minutes of the fourth period, but it was too late for an upset against the Cardinals.
Jielo Razon led Perpetual Help with 24 points, eight rebounds, and six assists while Jeff Egan and Cris Pagaran added 18 and 17 points respectively for the Myk Saguiguit-mentored squad.
Mapua is set to face fellow third placer College of St. Benilde in a crucial game on Tuesday noon, while Perpetual Help will be back in action on April 20 against San Beda University at the noon game.
The Scores:
MAPUA 95 – Agustin 24, Lacap 19, Nocum 13, Bonifacio 13, Hernandez 9, Asuncion 9, Pido 5, Garcia 3, Gamboa 0, Mercado 0.
PERPETUAL 83 – Razon 24, Egan 18, Pagaran 17, Aurin 12, Boral 4, Barcuma 4, Omega 2, Abis 2, Sevilla 0, Cuevas 0, Martel 0, Nunez 0.
Quarterscores: 26-13, 54-28, 73-55, 95-83.
