Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 23) – The Mapua Cardinals gave the San Beda Red Lions its first defeat, 68-54, in NCAA Season 97 on Saturday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Three Cardinals finished in double-digits, with Toby Agustin leading all scorers with 15 points. Paolo Hernandez delivered a double-double output of 14 markers and 13 rebounds.
The win increased Mapua’s Final Four chances as San Beda slid to 6-1, still good for second place.
Mapua, which solidified its third spot hold in the team standings with a 6-2 slate, also drew a productive game from versatile big man Warren Bonifacio who dropped 13 points.
The winning team led by a close margin in the first half, as the Red Lions were able to contain its offense through effective defensive setups.
The Randy Alcantara-mentored Mapua side started pulling away in the third canto, with Agustin and Hernandez draining long-range shots.
In the final quarter, the Cardinals erected their biggest lead at 16 points, courtesy of a step-back jumper from Hernandez.
San Beda had not suffered such a big-margin loss in seven years when in 2015 it bowed against Arellano University, 72-91.
“We always have the same mentality, to work hard every game. All teams here are contenders. No one is weak and strong,” said Hernandez, who played as a second stringer in their crucial tiff with San Beda.
James Kwekuteye led the Red Lions with 14 points and 11 rebounds , while Ralph Penuela failed to add his 13-point production in the first half..
Mapua will close out the eliminations against Lyceum on Wednesday, while San Beda seeks to bounce back against College of St. Benilde on Tuesday.
The Scores:
MAPUA 68 – Agustin 15, Hernandez 14, Bonifacio 13, Pido 8, Nocum 8, Lacap 5, Gamboa 5, Salenga 0, Mercado 0.
SAN BEDA 54 – Kwekuteye 14, Penuela 13, Amsali 6, Andrada 5, Gallego 4, Bahio 3, Sanchez 3, Alfaro 2, Ynot 2, Cuntapay 2, Abuda 0, Villejo 0.
Quarterscores: 17-14, 31-27, 50-40, 68-54.
