FILE – Cardinal Mapua. Tristan Tamayo’s photo / INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Mapua kept her Finals hopes alive after thrashing Arellano, 67-47, in the second round of the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.
The Cardinals currently hold an identical record to the Chiefs with a 6-9 scoreline, making a playoff appearance all the more possible after starting the season 0-8. They are also on a 4-match winning streak.
“First, they follow the game plan and they play according to their individual tendencies and then they just combine to defend the team. Everything just works. Our hustle, our aggressiveness, the opponent can’t detect it,” coach Randy Alcantara said.
Alcanatara’s lineup forced Arellano to overcome 25 teams.
Mapua had a huge lead in the first half, 36-21, when they doubled their defense in the third half, limiting the Chiefs to just seven quarter points.
Arellano attempted to get past the Cardinals, 19-15, during the payoff period but to no avail, causing coach Cholo Martin to lose his ninth game of the season.
Joaqui Garcia scored 13 points for Mapua while Jomer Mercado also finished with 10. Adrian Nocum nearly scored twice with 10 points and 9 rebounds.
A returning Shane Menina scored 10 marks, five assists and three steals after a loss-of-ball effort while Axel Doromal scored 10 for Arellano.
The point:
MAPUA 67 – Garcia 13, Nocum 10, Mercado 10, Hernandez 8, Cuenco 8, Pido 5, Agustin 5, Bonifacio 3, Soriano 2, Salenga 2, Lacap 1, Igliane 0.
ARELLANO 47 – Menina 10, Doromal 10, Abastillas 8, Tolentino 6, Sunga 4, Mallari 3, Oftana 3, Mantua 2, Talampas 1, Oliva 0.
Regions: August 16, 36-21, 52-28, 67-47.
BUT RELATED STORY
Continue reading
Register INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and more than 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to news, download as early as 4am and share media articles society. Call 896 6000.
For feedback, complaints or enquiries, Contact us.
