Paolo Hernandez came alive late to guide Mapua University to a wild 75-71 escape of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in the NCAA Season 99 on Wednesday.
Benilde's Migz Oczon, who was limited to just two points in the first half action, escaped the defense of Mapua and hit a dagger three-pointer to give Benilde a 71-70 lead in the final 35 seconds.
But Hernandez came up with a clutch shot of his own, soaring above Miggy Corteza for a jumper, 72-71, before Robi Nayve turned the ball over with 3.5 left.
The third-year Cardinal then sank three freebies to put the icing on the cake.
Hernandez finished with a game-high 22 points to go with four rebounds, one steal, and one block while rookie Clint Escamis continued his steady presence with 12 markers, five boards, five assists, and three steals.
Mapua improved to 3-1 while Benilde dropped to 1-3.
Benilde led by as much as 11 early in the first quarter before Mapua caught up as Hernandez completed a three-point play opportunity that handed the Cardinals their first taste of the lead, 59-58, halfway through the fourth.
The Blazers also hit a huge snag when reigning MVP Will Gozum fouled out of the game with 6:59 left in the game.
Warren Bonifacio then nailed two free throws followed by a layup off a steal by JC Recto to send Mapua to a crucial 65-61 cushion.
Bonifacio, though, fouled out as well at the 2:03 mark before Mark Sangco tied things up at 68-all.
Mapua outscored Benilde, 25-17, in the final period.
Corteza paced Benilde with 15 points while Oczon and Gozum chipped in 14 and 11 markers apiece.
The scores:
Mapua 75 - Hernandez 22, Escamis 12, Soriano 12, Recto 8, Cuenco 7, Bonifacio 6, Fornis 4, Rosillo 2, Bancale 2, Igliane 0, Asuncion 0, Dalisay 0.
Benilde 71 - Corteza 15, Oczon 14, Gozum 11, Nayve 8, Turco 8, Cajucom 6, Carlos 4, Sangco 4, Marcos 1, Marasigan 0, Mara 0, Jarque 0.
Quarters: 11-18, 30-37, 50-54, 75-71.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
