Mapua and University of Perpetual Help pulled off impressive victories yesterday to remain tied for the lead in the NCAA Season 99 junior basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Red Robins relied on their rock-solid defense in smashing the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 72-57, while the Junior Altas likewise turned to their defense when their offense turned sour in beating the San Beda Red Cubs, 78-56.
Their wins gave them similar 4-0 records.
Jan Pagulayan sizzled for 19 points while Mark Gojo Cruz posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Junior Altas who are seeking a historic first championship.
Lebron Jhames Daep had his own share of fine moments and finished with 10 points, six boards, three steals and a block.
San Beda, which shocked Letran in its previous outing, stumbled to a 2-2 record.
Mapua, eyeing its 21st crown, drew a 25-point explosion from Lawrence Mangubat while continuing to rely on its league’s best defense in claiming another win and staying unbeaten.
JRU dropped to 1-2.
The Junior Blazers, mentored by Ren Ren Ritualo, edged the Arellano U Braves, 85-81, for their first win after suffering three straight defeats to start the season.
The scores:
First Game
Mapua 72- Mangubat 25, Salvador 9, Malaga 8, Mulingtapang 5, Gragasin 5, Masiglat 4, Palis 4, Mananquil 4, Rodriguez 2, Valina 2, Duque 2, Coronel 2, Bagro 0, Bernabe 0, Go 0.
JRU 57- Castillo 11, Satparam 10, Pineda 7, Marin 6, Taparan 5, Rivera 3, Guarino 3, To 3, Natividad 3, Abequibel 2, Almario 2, Capistrano 2, Ferrer 0, Pinzon 0, Rico 0.
Quarters: 19-10; 37-29; 52-37; 72-57.
Second Game
CSB 85- Quines 22, Muyuela 16, Podador 10, Sharma 10, Ison 7, Osis 6, Gomez 5, Natividad 2, Abad 2, Nonoy 2, Peralta 0, Tud 0, Hachuela 0.
AU 81- Reqguera 23, Espinosa 18, Franco 11, Yu 9, Javier 9, Novilla 4, Montesclaros 4, Austria 3, Pangilinan 0, Tanudtanod, Llantos, Distrito, Vergara, Mendoza 0, Pascual 0.
Quarters: 22-19; 39-37; 66-59; 85-81.
Third Game
UPHSD 78.- Pagulayan 19, Gojo Cruz 15, Daep 10, Acido 9, Callangan 9, Ayon 6, Baldoria 4, Cristino 3, Valencia 2, Asuncion 1, Diaz 0, Panelo 0, Bernaldez 0.
San Beda 56- Vailoces 13, Lorenzo 10, Canete 9, Sollano 6, Medroso 5, Batong Bakal 4, Dollente 3, Wagan 3, Mondigo 2, San Juan 1, Feliciano 0, Garcia 0.
Quarters: 18-16; 40-37; 60-50; 78-56.
