Paolo Hernandez showed up when it mattered most again, carrying Mapua University to a 73-69 escape of Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday in the NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Mapua has now won back-to-back games to improve to 4-1 while EAC was dealt its second loss in a row to drop to an even 2-2.
After pouring in nine points in the first half, Nat Cosejo dropped eight in the third quarter, including two triples that sent EAC to a 52-47 lead.
The reigning All-Star MVP then buried back-to-back baskets halfway through the fourth for a 65-63 cushion as neither team can pull away for good despite two huge triples from Mapua’s Jun Asuncion.
Veteran bruiser JP Maguliano’s floater in the 2:21 mark made it a slim 68-65 lead for the Generals before Clint Escamis’ steal led to a Ryle Rosillo fast break as Mapua retook the lead, 69-68, with 1:12 left.
Paolo Hernandez, whose late-game explosion steered Mapua to a win against Benilde last Wednesday, came up with another huge jumper over Maguliano for a two-point advantage, 71-69.
EAC guards Ralph Robin and Joshua Tolentino both went wide on their last attempts as Escamis sealed it with two freebies.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
