Mapua sustained its winning drive, this time getting back at University of Perpetual Help, 73-65, in the NCAA Season 98 seniors basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan
Warren Bonifacio expectedly led Mapua’s well-balanced attack with 14 points, nine rebounds, and three assists as the Intramuros-based squad picked up its fourth win in fives, enough to keep their flickering semis hopes alive.
Also delivering for the Mapua side which is hoping to play in the Finals for the second straight year were Jeric Pido, Paolo Hernandez, and Toby Agustin.
Pido scattered13 points apart from grabbing four boards, while Hernandez and Agustin combined for 21 points.
The Cardinals trailed at the half by three, 37-34, but Bonifacio, Agustin and Hernandez conspired in a 26-point salvo in the third to grab the lead for good, 60-54.
However, it was Adrian Nocum who put the final nail in Perpetual’s coffin, draining two pressure-packed charities in the 11.9 ticks.
The scores:
MAPUA 73 – Bonifacio 14, Pido 13, Hernandez 11, Agustin 10, Nocum 9, Cuenco 8, Mercado 6, Soriano 2, Garcia 0, Salenga 0.
PERPETUAL 65 – Ferreras 22, Pagaran 10, Abis 5, Egan 5, Roque 5, Boral 5, Barcuma 4, Flores 3, Razon 2, Omega 2, Nitura 2, Martel 0, Orgo 0.
Quarters: 18-23; 34-37; 60-54; 73-65.