MANILA, Philippines — Hard to believe Mapua, which owns the worst record in the league, could beat the team with the best record in the league in San Beda.
But the Cardinals did just that in what could be the biggest upset of the 89th NCAA Season as they stunned the Red Lions, 81-76, Monday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Mapua banked on Jessie Saitanan, who produced 18 points on nine-of-12 shooting from the field to go along with three rebounds as the Cardinals arrested a 13-game tailspin for just their second win of the season in 16 games.
The Cardinals also foiled the Red Lions bid to lock up a twice-to-beat bonus in the Final Four.
The three-time defending champions dropped to 13-3 with second-running Letran Knights just half a game behind.