MANILA – Mapua University Cardinals continued their hot streak as they scored a 71-57 victory over University of Perpetual Help Altas in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
Cyrus Cuenco spearheaded the offense with 21 points, including six three-point conversions, to go with two assists and one rebound as the Cardinals notched their fifth straight win for a 12-3 win-loss slate.
“Thankful ako sa teammates ko dahil nagcre-create sila (ng scoring opportunities) para sa akin and nagpapasalamat din ako sa coaches sa tiwala nila sa akin,” Cuenco said in a post-game interview.
He added: “During after our practices, nag-e-extra shooting talaga kami and nagbunga naman, and sinabihan din ako ni coach Randy (Alcantara) to serve as one of the leaders since isa ako sa mga holdovers from last year.”
Clint Escamis, the reigning NCAA MVP, tallied 18 points, five assists, three steals, and a rebound, while rookie Chris Hubilla contributed 15 points for the NCAA Season 99 runner ups Mapua.
John Boral finished with 14 points to lead the Altas, while Christian Pagaran added 13 markers as they dropped to a 6-10 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, defending champions San Beda University Red Lions rode on a hot start to dominate Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 89-59.
Emman Tagle finished with a season-high of 20 points, including five three-point conversions, to go with one rebound and one assists for the Red Lions.
John Bismarck Lina added 18 points and four rebounds, while Yukien Andrada contributed 14 points, including two outside conversions, for San Beda.
King Gurtiza and Harvey Pagsanjan finished with 10 points apiece to lead the Generals, which dropped to a 7-8 win-loss slate./PN
