Mapua’s Cyrus Cuenco against Perpetual Help in NCAA Season 100.–NCAA PHOTO
The Mapua Cardinals haven’t dropped a single game in the second round, installing them as a clear figure in the Final Four of the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
But last year’s losing finalists are certainly craving for more than just another postelimination phase appearance.
“We haven’t proven anything yet and we’re still far from our goal,’’ said reliable wingman Cyrus Cuenco in Filipino after the Cardinals subdued the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 71-57, for their sixth straight win on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Arena.
Cuenco went 6-for-8 from long range and finished with 21 points, an output made remarkable by back-to-back threes that toppled a late charge by Altas.
Cuenco has the second most number of threes made this season with 39, inching behind Letran Knight Deo Cuajao’s 41.
Now armed with a second-running 12-3 record, the immediate objective of the Cardinals is to cement their position in the top two spots for a twice-to-beat leverage in the semifinals after rising to 10-5.
One more victory for the Lions and they’ll be guaranteed a Final Four slot in a bid to join leader College of St. Benilde and Mapua.
They can practically seal it on Sunday with a victory over College of St. Benilde, the pacesetter with only two losses in 14 games.
Lions roar loud
Meanwhile, Emman Tagle wielded his championship experience earlier as San Beda’s sneaky guard exploded from the outside in leading the Red Lions’ demolition job of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 89-59.
“It’s going to be a big game on Sunday for sure. We will gain confidence going into the playoffs if we can be successful against them,’’ said Cuenco.
Clint Escamis was likewise smoldering hot from afar, nailing three from trifecta territory, including a bailout shot that bumped their advantage back to double digits heading inside the final two minutes.
Escamis, last season’s rookie MVP, contributed 18 points, while Chris Hubilla produced another energetic performance with 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
JP Boral had 14 points and Chris added 13 for the Altas, whose fate for a possible Final Four stint is no longer within their control after dropping their 10th in 16 games.