Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 27) – Big man Warren Bonifacio fired the important baskets in the clutch to help the Mapua Cardinals prevail against the EAC Generals, 73-67, in NCAA Season 97 on Sunday at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.
Bonifacio, who finished with seven points and 14 rebounds, split his two free-throw shots with over two minutes left in the contest to tie the game at 64-all.
The Mapua big man followed up with a strong lay-up off a fastbreak play to hand his team the lead in the 1:29 mark of the contest.
Carl Brian Lacap stretched the lead of the Cardinals, who came from behind after the Generals held a slight offensive advantage in the third canto, to 68-64 after shooting all his two free-throw opportunities off a Mark Liwag foul in the paint.
Bonifacio then converted an inside shot coming off a sensational drop pass from Lacap to extend their lead to six points, as EAC missed their several attempts from the rainbow area.
With over 24 seconds left, Lacap had another trip in the free-throw line and comfortably sealed his two tries to close out the victory.
Adrian Nocum led Mapua in scoring with 20 points while Lacap contributed 14 markers for the opening game win of the Randy Alcantara-mentored squad.
Three Generals finished in double digits in scoring with Kriss Gurtiza leading the way with 21 points, Liwag chipping in 16 markers, and Marwin Taywan notching 13 points.
The Scores:
MAPUA 73 – Nocum 20, Lacap 14, Gamboa 8, Bonifacio 7, Agustin 7, Pido 5, Hernandez 5, Sual 5, Asuncion 1, Garcia 1, Mercado 0, Soriano 0, Udal 0.
EAC 67 – Gurtiza 21, Liwag 16, Taywan 13, Robin 9, Cadua 3, Fuentes 3, Umpad 2, Ad. Doria 0, Luciano 0, An. Doria 0, Cosa 0, Bunyi 0, Maguliano 0.
Quarterscores: 21-16, 32-32, 47-51, 73-67
