Mapua guard Joaqui Garcia gestures after hitting a triple against JRU in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament. NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Mapua hiked its winning streak to three after rolling past Jose Rizal University, 74-49, in the second round of the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.
The Cardinals used stifling defense in the second half where they limited the Heavy Bombers to just 18 points.
“Our offense would come naturally. We really focused on defense. Our shots were just bonuses but we went all out on defense,” said Mapua guard Joaqui Garcia, who spearheaded his team’s charge with 17 points.
Already leading by 13 at the end of the penultimate quarter, 53-40, Mapua opened the fourth quarter with eight unanswered points to stretch its lead to 21, 61-40.
Jose Rizal University absorbed its third consecutive loss and dropped to 5-5.
Garcia waxed hot, draining 5-of-8 from long range as Mapua improved to 5-9.
Adrian Nocum added 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists while Warren Bonifacio chipped in 10 points and four rebounds for the Cardinals.
Jonathan Medina registered 15 points for the Heavy Bombers, who committed 24 turnovers. Marwyn Dionisio had 12 points and seven rebounds.
The Scores:
MAPUA 74 — Garcia 17, Nocum 12, Bonifacio 10, Mercado 7, Hernandez 7, Cuenco 5, Pido 5, Lacap 4, Agustin 3, Salenga 2, Soriano 2.
JRU 49 — Medina 15, Dionisio 12, Dela Rosa 8, Miranda 4, Arenal 2, Amores 2, Sy 2, Celis 2, Guiab 1, Delos Santos 1, Tan 0, De Jesus 0, Villarin 0, Abaoag 0.
Quarters: 21-16, 38-31, 53-40, 74-49.