Mapua’s 11 in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Mapua repeated the outcome of last season’s semifinals duel, beating San Beda, 66-55, on the opening day of NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
The Cardinals relied on a strong third quarter to pull away from their semis rival and record their first win of the young season.
“This is what’s good about this team. The first, second or third group can deliver and we showed it. They chased us a bit but the other guys stuck to the system and kept the lead,” head coach Randy Alcantara said.
Up by just 10, 43-33, in the third period, the Cardinals unloaded a pivotal 7-0 rally to push the lead further to as much as 19, 65-46, in the final frame.
San Beda managed to inch closer by 10 after a 9-0 run, 65-55, but Mapua’s defense kept them scoreless until the final buzzer.
Mapua’s bench sorely outscored San Beda’s, 36-21.
Arvin Gamboa (12), Brian Lacap (11) and Joaquin Garcia (10) combined for 33 points for the Cardinals.
James Kwekuteye was the sole double-digit scorer for San Beda with 15 markers.