Pirates rip Stags, clinch NCAA F4 slot

Mapua Cardinals.-NCAA Photo

One Final Four slot has been already tabbed, by league leader Mapua.

On Friday, Lyceum followed suit.

The Pirates fashioned out an 83-80 victory over San Sebastian in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, assuring at San Juan Arena, assuring themselves of a spot in the semifinals.

Patrick Montaño came alive at a timely manner for coach Gilbert Malabanan with 22 points while Enoch Valdez continued to impress with 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to go along with three blocks and two steals.

Stags standout Alex Desoyo matched Montaño’s 22 points but San Sebastian still could not find a way to avoid its 11th loss in 16 matches.

Mapua, which was the first team to clinch a Final Four berth, continues its hot streak by ripping lowly Arellano, 84-75, in the other game.

The Cardinals won their fifth straight victory while keeping a firm grasp on the top spot at 14-3.

Marc Cuenco paced Mapua with 17 points, four boards and four dimes while leading MVP candidate Clint Escamis balled out for 15 points, six rebounds and four assists to help his team’s chase for twice-to-beat protection.

Lorenz Capulong’s double-double efforts of 22 points and 12 boards were put to waste as the Chiefs skidded down to a 2-15 card. Jade Talampas, meanwhile, sank four triples en route to a 14-point outing for Arellano.