Mapua stops slide, snaps San Sebastian’s winning streak

MANILA, Philippines – Mapua stopped its three-game slide at the expense of erstwhile first place San Sebastian, 61-54, on a rainy Monday night at the flood-hit FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Cardinals jumped out to an early double-digit lead and somehow maintained their steady play to held off an end-game surge by the Stags.

Mapua snapped San Sebastian’s six-game winning streak in the process.

Josan Nimes led the way with 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Putting on a defensive clinic, Mapua led by as much as 13. The Stags pulled to within four, 54-58, with 31.3 ticks left but that was the closest they got.

Jonathan Banal sank two free throws that sealed the win.

Calvin Abueva had 15 points and 14 rebounds for SSC.