NCAA: Mapua makes it three straight, Arellano stays winless

Mapua Cardinals’ Chris Hubilla soars for the deuce against Letran in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament. –NCAA Photo

MANILA, Philippines—Mapua hiked its win streak to three in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament following another dominant outing against its Season 97 Finals rival Letran.

The Cardinals defeated the Knights, 77-62, at San Juan Arena on Friday behind the efforts of rookie big Chris Hubilla.

Hubilla powered the Cardinals to a 3-1 card with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds with two steals to match.

READ: NCAA: Perpetual stays unbeaten, Letran gets first win

Helping the rookie out of the San Beda Red Cubs program was the troika of Marc Cuenco, Lawrence Mangubat and reigning MVP Clint Escamis, who finished with 13, 13 and 12 points, respectively.

The Knights, meanwhile, slid to a 2-2 card but not without another stellar outing from rookie Sherick Estrada, who finished with an all-around game of 19 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Pao Javillonar also dropped 11 points and seven rebounds in the defeat.

Arellano falls short again

John Barba shoots over his Arellano defenders. –NCAA Photo

Lyceum tallied another narrow win, this time at the expense of a winless Arellano squad, 90-86, to improve to a 2-2 card.

John Barba exploded for 25 points with eight rebounds and three assists for good measure to help the Pirates gain back-to-back wins in the young season.

The guard tandem of Gyle Montano and Mac Guadana helped the cause with 17 and 12 points to their names.

READ: NCAA: Benilde soars to 4-0, JRU enters win column

Maverick Vinoya’s 22-point day was put to waste as the Chiefs crashed to a 0-4 slate. Troy Valencia dropped 18 in the defeat while Jeadan Ongotan dropped a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds but to no avail.

The Chiefs look to finally enter the win column on Sunday when they face the Rafel Are-boosted San Sebastian Stags.