Paolo Hernandez banked the clutch three-pointer to power Mapua University to a 71-69 stunner against San Beda University in the NCAA Season 99 on Sunday.
The Cardinals saw their 14-point lead turn into a 12-point deficit as Jacob Cortez fired three triples to send the Red Lions to a 67-54 lead early in the fourth.
But Mapua put the clamps on the scorching San Beda when the backcourt tandem of Ryle Rosillo and Marc Cuenco fueled a furious 12-0 rampage that allowed them to regain 68-67 cushion with 3:42 left.
Jomel Puno would give San Beda a slim 69-67 lead but Paolo Hernandez nailed the biggest basket of the game when he buried a triple in the final 14.2 seconds, 71-69.
Yukien Andrada was left for a triple in the corner but he missed it as Mapua completed the win.
Clint Escamis paced Mapua with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, and four steals while Marc Cuenco chipped in 14 markers, five boards, and two dimes as they catapulted themselves back to solo top spot with a 12-3 card.
Hernandez, who was struggling all game long, finished with four points as he only shot one of his five field goal attempts.
San Beda absorbed back-to-back losses to drop to 8-6.
Scores:
Mapua 71- Escamis 21, Cuenco 14, Bonifacio 11, Rosillo 8, Asuncion 6, Hernandez 4, Soriano 4, Recto 3, Igliane 0, Morenos 0, Dalisay 0.
San Beda 69- Cortez 24, Andrada 15, Puno 9, Tagle 7, Visser 4, Jopia 4, Cuntapay 3, Payosing 3, Royo 0, Gonzales 0, Gallego 0, Alfaro 0.
Quarterscores: 19-17; 40-38; 54-64; 81-80.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
