MANILA – Mapua University Cardinals formalized their entry into the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament Final Four after a 69-53 beating of University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Clint Escamis dropped 17 points, four rebounds, four assists, one block, and six steals to lead the way for the Cardinals, which solidified their hold of the top spot with a 13-3 win-loss slate.
Warren Bonifacio chipped in 11 points, six boards, and three assists, while Jopet Soriano contributed 10 points for the Cardinals, which fell short of reaching the semis last season due to their poor start.
“Ang naging masakit na nangyari sa amin last season, ‘yun ang naging motivation namin. Ano lang talaga is to compete every game at naging maganda yung resulta,” said Cardinals head coach Randy Alcantara.
Facing a streaking Altas, the Cardinals took control of the momentum from the start as they quickly jumped to a double-digit lead, which later reached as high as 20 points in the second half.
“Sabi ko kanina up kami 20 sa fourth quarter huwag tayo magkumpiyansa kasi babalik at babalik ‘yan. Alam naman natin ‘yung teams dito gagawa ng run para dumikit at manalo,” Alcantara said.
Jun Roque was the only Altas player to reach double digits on offense, as he finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds as they saw their four-game winning streak snapped to 8-8.
Yukien Andrada caught fire offensively as San Beda University Red Lions defeated College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 65-61, as they improved to 9-6 win-loss slate. The Blazers dropped to 10-6.
The veteran guard, who missed a game-winner during San Beda’s previous loss to the Mapua University Cardinals, tallied a career-high of 22 points, including four triples, to lead the Red Lions.
Jacob Cortez backed up Andrada with 15 points, four rebounds, and eight assists. James Payosing made his presence felt in the glass as he grabbed 10 boards to go along with his seven points for San Beda./PN
