Mapua rallies, clobbers UP, 61-56

MANILA, Philippines – Mapua rallied from 11 points down to beat University of the Philippines, 61-56, Saturday in the 2012 FilOil Flying V Preseason Hanes Cup at the San Juan Arena.

Gabriel Banal tallied 15 points, including big baskets down the stretch that helped the Cardinals nail their first win in three games.

“We’re still in the stage where we need to improve our chemistry and teamwork. I have five new guys and they play major minutes. I need them to jell with the old guys,” said Mapua coach Chito Victolero.

And of all, Victolero singled out Banal.

“I expect a lot with my new five. Especially with Gab (Banal), he won a lot in high school, he’s a winner.”

Banal hit a three that gave the lead back to Mapua before driving to the basket for a 59-56 cushion with 35.1 ticks left.

Mike Silungan gave the Fighting Maroons a lift with 15 points.

A basket by Jelo Montecastro put the Maroons up, 48-37, at the 1:23 mark of the third quarter before the Cardinals went on a 17-5 blast capped by that Banal trey.

Both teams were sloppy on the floor. Mapua had 21 turnovers while UP wasn’t far behind with 19.