Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Mapua’s Noah Lugo and Paolo Hernandez sat on the bench all game long as the Cardinals slipped past the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers, 72-67, in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament.
With their reliable scorers nursing minor injuries, the Cardinals turned to Justin Serrano, Laurenz Victoria and JP Nieles while Christian Bunag also rose to the occasion for their fourth consecutive win in the second round.
Ry Dela Rosa’s three and a three-point play by Agem Miranda brought the excitement back on the Heavy Bombers’ side that trimmed the deficit to six points, but the Cardinals stayed calm and notched a seventh win in 13 games.
The Cardinals will certainly need the services of Lugo and Hernandez in their succeeding games as they tackle the Lyceum Pirates and the Lions next week. The Heavy Bombers dropped to 4-9.
MAPUA 72 – Victoria 13, Serrano 12, Buñag 11, Nieles 11, Gonzales 10, Bonifacio 8, Aguirre 3, Nocum 2, Salenga 2, Gamboa 0, Garcia 0, Jabel 0.
JRU 67 – Dionisio 15, Miranda 13, Amores 12, Aguilar 8, Dela Rosa 8, Delos Santos 5, Abaoag 2, Arenal 2, Jungco w, Macatangay 0, Vasquez 0.
Quarters: 12-15, 30-31, 48-39, 72-67.