Isit takes charge late as Mapua clips San Beda in OT

FILE Photo—Mapua’s CJ Isit. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

CJ Isit dazzled his way in the overtime period to deliver Mapua a 101-97 victory over San Beda Thursday in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Fil-Canadian stringed eight straight points in extra time to give his side a 97-94 lead in the final 40.1 seconds.

Isit finished with 15 points, six rebounds, and four steals to give the Cardinals their first win over the Red Lions since their 81-76 triumph back on October 17, 2013.

“Actually, sobrang saya namin kasi bawat game na natitira, importante sa amin,” said Joseph Eriobu. “Malaking boost itong panalo na ito sa San Beda. Di kami nag-give up at sobrang laki ng panalo na ito.”

Mapua stayed at solo fourth with a 8-5 card, while San Beda fell to a third defeat for an 11-3 record.

Eriobu topscored with 26 markers, 10 of which coming in the fourth frame where Mapua battled back from seven points down, 78-71, with 3:55 remaining. He also hauled down nine boards.

Darell Menina also pulled 14 points and four rebounds, while reigning MVP Allwell Oraeme got himself a double-double with 12 markers and 24 boards, to go with two blocks despite momentarily leaving the game due to an injured elbow early in the third quarter.

Menina’s freebies in the final 10.6 seconds of regulation gave the Cardinals an 87-84 lead, but Arnaud Noah nailed a huge trey from the top of the arc to knot the score at 87 with 6.5 left.

Mapua had a chance to win the game late, but Menina and Oraeme muffed their chances at the end of regulation.

Javee Mocon led the Red Lions with 19 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Robert Bolick got 18 markers and six boards.

Davon Potts wound up with 15 markers, eight coming in the fourth but his scoring was missed in overtime. He also got six rebounds in the loss.

The Scores:

MAPUA 101 – Eriobu 26, Isit 15, Menina 14, Oraeme 12, Biteng 11, Estrella 10, Serrano 7, Bunag 6, Victoria 0, Orquina 0.
SAN BEDA 97 – Mocon 19, Bolick 18, Potts 15, Noah 10, Tongco 7, Sara 6, Soberano 5, Presbitero 4, Adamos 4, Oftana 4, Navarro 3, Carlos 2, Alas 0, Bahio 0.

Quarters: 19-17, 39-43, 60-65, 87-87, 101-97.