NCAA 91: Cardinals swoop down on hapless Generals

Mapua head coach Atoy Co. TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net

Mapua made Emilio Aguinaldo College run in circles as it extended the latter’s losing streak to five with a 101-72 drubbing Friday in the eliminations of the NCAA Season 91 basketball tournament at San Juan Arena.

After a near stalemate in the first quarter, the Cardinals upped its intensity in the second quarter outscoring the Generals 30-19 to close the first half at 45-33.

Stephen Que was on his mark in the second quarter, after playing pedestrian in the first, tallying 11 of his 17 points.

Cardinals head coach Atoy Co said it’s more difficult for them to play a 0-5 EAC team since a winless squad has nothing to lose.

“Today, I’m very emotional, it’s harder to play against a winless team because they have nothing to lose,” Co said as his team notched a 2-3 record. “We cannot play them at so-so levels.”

“We really have to give our best on defense. This is the best defense I saw.”

READ: NCAA: Mapua stuns San Sebastian, gets first win

EAC could not match the rim to its crosshairs as it shot a paltry 39 percent from the field while turning the ball over 25 times.

Mapua immediately took flight in the fourth quarter with a 15-5 run to go up 89-59 with 4:32 left in the fourth as John Nieles nailed a three from the top of the key.

Josan Nimes had a game-high 18 points to go along four rebounds and five assists.

Justin Serrano added 16 points while Carlos Isit and Exequiel Biteng had 12 points apiece for Mapua.

Laminou Hamadou had 16 points and seven rebounds to lead EAC. IDL