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