Not even last year’s runner up Arellano could stop Mapua’s streak. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/IINQUIRER.net
The hottest team in the league right now, Mapua continued its sensational streak to six games after clipping Arellano, 81-76, in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament Friday at San Juan Arena.
The Cardinals stayed undefeated in the second round as they continue their chase for a Final Four slot with a 10-5 card, tied with the Chiefs for fourth place.
It was also Mapua’s third win with assistant coach Ed Cordero calling the shots from the sidelines, as head coach Atoy Co served the last of his two-game suspension.
Allwell Oraeme starred in the victory with 15 points and 30 rebounds that went with two assists and two blocks, while Exeqiel Biteng added 15 markers. Justin Serrano also chimed in 14 points, while Mark Braña got 11.
Mapua used a stirring 14-2 run in the final five minutes of the game to take a 76-68 advantage with 1:33 left.
Zach Nicholls and Donald Gumaru still tried to bring Arellano to as close as three, 76-73 in the final minute before Gumaru fell on his back after challenging Justin Serrano’s fastbreak with 47.7 remaining.
Serrano and John Nieles proved to be steady from the charity stripe as Mapua ran away with the win.
“The blessing is that we’re not really complete, but it shows that we are becoming a team,” said Cordero.
The Cardinals wrap up their schedule against EAC, San Beda, and St. Benilde.
Michael Salado led Arellano with 17 points, while Jiovani Jalalon had 16 markers, 11 rebounds, six assists, and three steals in the defeat.
The Scores:
MAPUA 81 – Biteng 15, Oraeme 15, Serrano 14, Braña 11, Nieles 8, Menina 7, Que 3, Nimes 3, Raflores 3, Isit 2, Villaseñor 0.
ARELLANO 76 – Salado 17, Jalalon 16, Gumaru 13, Holts 9, Meca 7, Bangga 7, Cadavis 4, Nicholls 3, Capara 0, Enriquez 0, Ortega 0, Tano 0.
Quarters: 23-20, 33-43, 54-62, 81-76.