Mapua kept its Final Four hopes alive after pulling off an 85-81 win over University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in the NCAA men’s basketball competition Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan City.
Laurenz Victoria led Mapua with 14 points and four rebounds while Noah Lugo contributed 12 points, five rebounds and three assists as the Cardinals improved to 9-8, half-a-game behind the San Sebastian Stags (9-7) for the last semifinal berth.
The SSC Stags were playing against host Arellano University, and even if they win, it doesn’t guarantee them a spot in the Final Four.
Mapua rookie coach Randy Alcantara credited his players for the effort they gave.
“Hindi namin kontrol ang Baste. Ang kontrol lang namin ay itong last two games namin,” said Alcantara, whose team will face Perpetual
“Ang talunin ang Perpetual, napakahirap para gawin iyon. Pero yun nga, nakita ko sa mga mata ng mga players, sa practice pa lang, gustong nilang makabawi at gustong manalo. Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila at may chance pa. Yun nga lang, siyempre, hindi na sa kamay namin,” Alcantara added.
Ben Adamos led Perpetual Help with 25 points, Kim Aurin had 19 points, 11 rebounds and three assists while Jielo Razon chipped in 18 points, seven assists, four boards and two steals.
The Altas fell to 5-12.
In the juniors division, San Sebastian fashioned out a 63-60 win over Arellano, to move closer in clinching a Final Four berth with a 10-7 card, while deposed champion Mapual prevailed over Perpetual Help, 74-61, in a no-bearing match for a 4-12 mark. (Waylon Galvez)
First Game
MAPUA 85 – Bonifacio 15, Victoria 14, Lugo 12, Gonzales 11, Gamboa 11, Aguirre 9, Buñag 6, Garcia 3, Salenga 2, Serrano 2, Nieles 0.
PERPETUAL HELP 81 – Adamos 25, Aurin 19, Razon 18, Charcos 9, Sese 3, Labarda 2, Sevilla 2, Cuevas 0, Guissani 0, Tamayo 0.
Quarters: 25-18; 46-43; 65-64; 85-81.
