Mapua’s Paolo Hernandez. NCAA/GAME PHOTO
Mapua remained in contention for a top two spot in the NCAA Season 97 seniors basketball tournament with a rousing 75-65 victory at the expense of Lyceum on Wednesday at the La Salle Greenhills gym.
Toby Agustin nailed three triples and had 13 points and four rebounds while Paolo Hernandez also finished with 13 and Brian Lacap tallied 12 for the Cardinals, who capped their 7-2 record with a four-game win streak.
With their placing at the end of the nine-game elimination round out of their hands, the Cardinals must pray for a Letran win over San Beda come Friday to seize the No. 2 seeding that comes with an automatic Final Four appearance and a twice-to-beat bonus.
Should the Red Lions win, the Cardinals will meet the College of Benilde Blazers in the play-in on Sunday for the No. 3 spot.
John Barba capped his rookie season with 16 points and five rebounds while Omar Larupay contributed 15 points and 14 boards for the Pirates, who closed out its campaign at ninth place (2-7).
The Pirates joined the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers (1-7) and San Sebastian Stags (3-6) out of the play-in picture.
The Scores
MAPUA 75 — Hernandez 13, Agustin 13, Lacap 12, Gamboa 10, Garcia 9, Nocum 6, Bonifacio 5, Asuncion 3, Pido 2, Mercado 2, Salenga 0.
LYCEUM 65 — Barba 16, Larupay 15, Remulla 8, Cunanan 7, Navarro 6, Bravo 5, Guadana 4, Garro 3, Abadeza 1, Jabel 0, Valdez 0, Guinto 0.
Quarters: 15-17, 32-34, 53-47, 75-65.