Josan Nimes. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
It’s not over until the fat lady sings.
Mapua stunned San Sebastian, 88-86, behind a late game charge to bounce back from an opening day loss in NCAA season 91 men’s basketball tournament Thursday at San Juan Arena.
CJ Isit nailed two clutch free throws with 21.6 seconds left in the game to highlight a 9-0 Cardinals run and give his team an 87-86 lead and 1-1 record.
Lady Luck then smiled upon the Cardinals as Ryan Costelo, Bradwyn Guinto, and Michael Calisaan missed point-blank shots that could have given the Stags the lead.
Cardinals forward Josan Nimes led Mapua with 20 points while Mark Braña added 18 points.
Isit pitched in 14 points for the Cardinals while Allwell Oraeme went berserk with 15 points, 22 rebounds, and five blocks.
San Sebastian had a decent 86-79 lead late in the fourth until its untimely collapse.
Ortuoste led the Stags with a near triple-double of 21 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.