Mapua University escaped University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 62-61, on Saturday to end their first round campaign in NCAA Season 99 on a high note.
The Cardinals remained at the top of the standings with eight wins and a loss, while Perpetual slipped to 3-6.
The win came despite usual top guns Clint Escamis and Paolo Hernandez having an off day in terms of shooting, with the former making just four out of 15 from the field en route to a 10-point outing. Hernandez, on the other hand, hit just three of his field goals and scored eight points.
The Cardinals were leading 62-59 after a Hernandez layup at the 3:01 mark of the final frame before John Abis answered to cut the ALTAs' deficit to within one, 62-61.
Both sides were scoreless in the last 2:15 of the frame, giving Mapua their sixth straight win.
Marc Cuenco paced the Cardinals with 13 points while JC Recto had 12 points, six rebounds, and five steals. Escamis had 11 rebounds and three steals on top of his 10 points, while Hernandez also had 11 boards.
John Abis and Christian Pagaran had 15 points apiece for Perpetual while Mark Omega had eight points and 10 rebounds.
Mapua will open their second round run on Wednesday against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, while Perpetual will face Colegio de San Juan de Letran on the same day.
Scores:
Mapua 62- Cuenco 13, Recto 12, Escamis 10, Hernandez 8, Bonifacio 8, Dalisay 5, Soriano 4, Asuncion 2, Rosillo 0, Igliane 0, Fornis 0.
Perpetual 61- Abis 15, Pagaran 15, Omega 8, Nitura 6, Roque 5, Nunez 5, Razon 4, Ferreras 3, Orgo 0, Barcuma 0, Gelsano 0.
Quarterscores: 17-16; 33-35; 49-49; 62-61.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
