Mapua’s Jasper Salenga. —Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Mapua flaunted complete command of San Beda Saturday, scoring a 66-55 victory as the Cardinals got their bid in Season 98 of the NCAA off on the right note at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Cardinals used a strong third quarter to snuff the life out of the Red Lions, whom they also beat in the semifinals last 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.
The Cardinals led by as large as 17 in the third quarter.
Mapua’s bench outscored San Beda in a huge way, 36-21. Arvin Gamboa (12), Brian Lacap (11) and Joaquin Garcia (10) combined for 33 points for the Cardinals.
James Kwekuteye was the only one who finished in twin digits for the Lions with 15 points.