Mapua survived a furious rally by Emilio Aguinaldo College to pull off a 77-74 win as the Cardinals remained unscathed in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup.
The Cardinals played with command practically all game but needed a hard-nosed stand in the stretch to improve to 2-0.
With the pressure on, veteran Mapua guard Lawrence Victoria hit a tough turnaround jumper that practically snuffed the last of a series of comebacks by the stubborn Generals, 77-71.
“Coach just told us to trust ourselves and play within our system,” said Victoria in Filipino. He finished with 14 points.
In other matches, the College of St. Benilde Blazers shot down the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 104-83, to get their bid off on the right note.
Carlo Young hit back-to-back triples to snap a 5-all tie and give the Blazers a lead they would never surrender. Displaying more fluidity on offense, nine CSB players hit 50 percent or better from the field.
“I think more than just attacking the basket which we want, it was better discipline on both ends of the court,” pointed out coach Tyrone Tang.