MAPUA built enough cushion to contain Arellano University’s late-game fightback as the Cardinals won, 91-83, in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 94 seniors basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Christian Bunag registered 16 points and 10 rebounds, while four other Cardinals submitted double-digit scores as Mapùa snatched its second win against two losses, while sending Arellano University also to a 2-2 won-lost record for a four-way tie with College of Saint Benilde.
Laurenz Victoria also rose to the occasion for Mapua and dished out nine assists that went with his nine points and four rebounds.
Averaging 13 points in the past three matches, the 21-year-old Victoria helped Bunag and four of his teammates finish in double figures.
“After our loss in our last game, we really doubled our effort to up our intensity and show in the game what we need to do,” Victoria, said as Head Coach Atoy Co refused to grant a postgame interview.
Eric Jabel added 15 points and four assists, while Cedric Pelayo, Noah Lugo and Warren Bonifacio combined for 37 points.
Bunag and Jabel jump-started Mapùa’s offense by scoring 17 of the team’s 31-point outburst in the first quarter with Arellano University scoring 22.
The Cardinals barely faced any resistance and led by as many as 18 before the Chiefs mounted a strong final push.
Levi de la Cruz scored 10 of his game-high 25 points in the fourth period for the Chiefs, but their efforts in the last 10 minutes were just too late, as Mapùa cruised to an easy ending.
Saint Benilde, meanwhile, routed Jose Rizal University, 81-66, also on Tuesday to forge a tie with Mapùa and Arellano University.
Clement Leutcheu had 20 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Blazers.