Mapua’s Andoy Estrella. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
With nothing to lose, Mapua pulled off a 76-71 stunner over Perpetual to nab its first streak in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Andoy Estrella once again didn’t shy away from the spotlight, drilling the game-tying floater and the go-ahead trey in the final minute to hand the Cardinals their third win in 15 games this season.
The senior guard fired nine of his 22 points in the payoff period, to go with four rebounds, four assists, and a steal in the win.
“During our last huddle, coach was telling us that this is for JP (Nieles). He gave his all and that happened, so we didn’t let this game go,” shared Estrella as the team dedicated the win to their teammate JP Nieles, who hurt his left knee with 5:16 left in the fourth quarter.
Mapua faced a 64-57 deficit halfway through the fourth quarter, but Estrella scored seven of the Cardinals’ last 11 points, none bigger than his go-ahead trey at the top of the key with 20.6 seconds to go to give his side a 74-71 lead.
GJ Ylagan tried to tie the game, but his trey went in-and-out, which led to Leo Gabo scoring the dagger layup with 10.6 ticks on the clock.
Christian Buñag chimed in 19 markers and 14 boards, while Laurenz Victoria got 14 points, nine rebounds, and five assists for Mapua.
The Cardinals moved up to ninth place in the team standings with their 3-12 card.
Perpetual suffered its fifth straight defeat and fell down to 4-11 in the battle of also-rans.
Ylagan topped the Altas with 22 points and six rebounds, while Keith Pido got 18 markers and six boards.
Prince Eze tallied 15 points and 14 rebounds in the losing effort.
The Scores:
MAPUA 76 – Estrella 22, Buñag 19, Victoria 14, Aguirre 9, Gabo 6, Raflores 6, Jimenez 0, Nieles 0, Orquina 0, Pelayo 0.
PERPETUAL 71 – Ylagan 22, Pido 18, Eze 15, Sadiwa 5, Yuhico 5, Lucente 4, Dagangon 2, Clemente 0, Coronel 0, Mangalino 0, Tamayo 0.
Quarters: 22-17, 38-42, 55-55, 76-71.