Mapua University forced a rubber match after defeating Arellano University, 86–82, on Thursday in Game 2 of the semifinals of the NCAA Season 101 juniors basketball tournament at the Filoil Centre.
The Red Robins led by as many as 13, 52–39, after opening the third quarter with a 10–0 run.
Chris Dy then stopped the bleeding for Arellano, but the Red Robins still limited the Braves to just nine points in the period while Mapua scored 19.
Arellano, however, pushed Mapua and trimmed the deficit to single digits, 67–58, with 6:59 remaining.
Jhillian Palis answered with a basket but was later called for his second technical foul, resulting in an ejection. His first technical came at the 3:15 mark of the third quarter.
Despite Palis’ ejection, Mapua managed to hold off Arellano, although the Braves closed in within five, 83–78, with 14 seconds left. Jhon Gemao made a split from the line to extend Mapua’s lead, but Laurence Pillas hit a three-pointer to cut the Red Robins’ advantage to 84-81 with nine seconds left.
Ray Relojo then sank two free throws off a Ray Ladica foul to push Mapua ahead, 86-81, effectively sealing the win, as John Baluyot made only the first of his three free throws after being fouled by Gemao.
Before his ejection, Palis tallied 18 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and one steal. Parame also finished with 18 points, along with nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Froilan Reyes added 13 points and 15 rebounds, plus two assists and one steal, while MJ Bernabe contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block.
Aaron Manansala led the Braves with 24 points, while Chris Dy and Axel Mendoza added 14 and 10 points, respectively, for Arellano.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
