Mapua dominates on JRU’s homecourt in NCAA on Tour

Mapua University picked up its first win in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament after turning back Jose Rizal University, 72-60, at JRU gym on Thursday.

JRU were closing in, 65-60, after Jun Silvarez’s jumper with 4:06 to play when Mapua unleashed a seven-point spurt capped by Justin Serrano’s free throws with 39.5 ticks remaining to put the game away.

“What I like about this team is that everybody is ready to score. Everybody has to step up because we have no go-to-guy in our team this season,” Mapua head coach Atoy Co said.

Mapua drew significant contributions from its bench, 41-25, and was able to score 12 easy points off the Heavy Bomber’s 16 turnovers.

The Cardinals dominated in fastbreak points, 18-9.

Laurenz Victoria led the Cardinals with 11 points and seven rebounds while rookie Warren Bonifacio flirted with a double-double with 10 markers and nine boards in his first NCAA senior’s game.

RJ David led all scorers with 12 points. Ivan Ruiz L. Suing