MANILA – Paolo Hernandez connected a game-winning triple as Mapua University Cardinals hacked out a 71-69 victory over San Beda University Red Lions in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball on Sunday night at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Trailing by double-digits early in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals slowly clawed their way back into the contest before snatching the victory from the Red Lions via a triple by Hernandez with 14.2 seconds left.
The Red Lions had an opportunity to win the game, but veteran forward Yukien Andrada missed his three-point attempt from the corner with a second remaining in the contest.
Hernandez, who was struggling all game long, finished with four points, with the game-winner being his lone field goal conversion, as the Cardinals seized first place in the standings with a 12-3 win-loss slate.
Clint Escamis spearheaded the attack for the Cardinals with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, and four steals, while Marc Cuenco chipped in 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
Jacob Cortez top-scored with 24 points, including five three-point conversions, Andrada added 15 markers, while Jomel Puno ended with nine points and 12 rebounds as the Red Lions dropped to an 8-6 win-loss card.
Meanwhile, Mark Omega drilled a go-ahead three-pointer as University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas (8-7) stunned Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates (11-4), 81-80.
Trailing 78-80 late in the game, Omega drilled the three with the clock winding down and banked it against the board and into the rim to secure the Altas’ fourth consecutive win.
Omega finished with a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Cyrus Nitura had a near triple-double of 18 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists to go with three steals as the Altas.
College of Saint Benilde Blazers (10-5), meanwhile, moved closer to sealing a Final Four seat in the tournament after a 78-68 beating of the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags (5-10)./PN
