NCAA: Benilde bounces back, keeps Mapua winless

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde bounced back at the expense of still-winless Mapua University, 82-77, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at the PhilSports Arena.

Trailing 40-37 at halftime, John Morales scored 10 of Benilde’s 22 points in the third period as the Blazers took a 59-57 lead heading into the final frame.

The two teams went neck-and-neck in the fourth quarter until Ian Torres drilled crucial triples late in the game to help hand the Blazers the victory.

Torres waxed hot from beyond the arc, knocking down five triples en route to 15 points, while Justine Sanchez also hit four three-pointers to finish with 16 points. Sanchez added 11 rebounds, four assists, six blocks, and a steal, while Morales chipped in 14 points.

The win spoiled Ivan Lazarte’s 22-point outing for the Cardinals, while Cyrus Cuenco and Yam Concepcion added 14 and 13 points, respectively, as the Intramuros-based squad slipped to 0-3.

Scores:

Benilde 82 - Sanchez 16, Torres 15, Morales 14, Ancheta 9, Moore 9, Jarque 8, Podador 5, Arciaga 3, Daja 3, Go 0, Lorenzo 0, Baliquig 0.

Mapua 77 - Lazarte 22, Cuenco 14, Concepcion 13, Igliane 7, L. Nitura 6, Diaz 5, Reyes 4, Ryan 4, Bernabe 2, M. Nitura 0, Liwanag 0, Razon 0.

Quarters: 17-21, 37-40, 59-57, 82-77.

—JKC, GMA News