Nike basketball: Cardinals beat Knights, 87-79

The Mapua Cardinals outlasted NCAA rivals Letran Knights, 87-79, to arrange a semis duel with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the 2007 Nike Summer League basketball tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. Veteran Kelvin de la Peña and rookie Jonathan Banal provided the clutch baskets as the Cardinals of coach Leo Isaac held the Knights scoreless in the final two minutes, said the league Friday in a statement. Banal, a 5'-9" recruit from Xavier School, topscored with 23 points, while Sean Co added 18 points and De la Peña contributed 15 points for the Cardinals. Bryan Faundo led Letran with 12 points, followed by Reymar Gutilban and RJ Jazul with 11 points each. Trailing 65-74, the Knights unleashed a telling 14-4 run anchored on Razul and Reyman Gutilban to take the upperhand, 79-74. But the Cardinals regrouped in time to score nine unanswered points for 83-79 lead. The tournament resumes Saturday with four matches — two in the juniors and two in the women's division. - GMANews