Cardinals edge skidding Maroons; Nationals drop opener
Eric Jabel. Photo by Randolph B. Leongson/ INQUIRER.net
Mapua University nipped University of the Philippines, 79-78, and dealt its victim a second straight loss in the 2018 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup at Filoil Flying V Centre on Sunday.
Eric Jabel and Justin Serrano teamed up in helping the Cardinals erect a 75-67 lead in the final minute, while also holding off a belated uprising from the Maroons.
Exe Biteng paced Mapua with 19 points.
“We have less big men and more small players and that’s what we’re trying to do, play fast and run,” said Mapua coach Atoy Co.
La Salle also beat UP in Saturday’s opener, 82-79.
Bright Akhuetie led UP with 30 points and 18 rebounds, while Paul Desiderio had 13 points and 10 assists.
Also on Saturday, Ateneo drubbed the Gilas Pilipinas Cadets, 75-69.
Thirdy Ravena scored 16 points, including a dunk off a steal on Kobe Paras that sparked an Ateneo fourth quarter run.
The Cadets will next take on the Archers on April 27. —RANDOLPH B. LEONGSON, MARK GIONGCO, INQUIRER.NET
