Kenneth Ighalo of Mapua puts up a shot against JP Magbitang of CEU in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena. EDWIN BELLOSILLO
St. Clare shocked University of the East while Mapua pulled off a close win under a new coach in the Metro Manila qualifiers of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Jeff Viernes hit a fadeaway shot with 25.9 seconds left as the Saints stunned the Warriors, 81-79, at the start of the three-day leg.
Viernes finished with 22 points and Marte Gil also had 22 to lead the Saints, the reigning champions of the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu).
“We really prepared for this,” said St. Clare coach Jinno Manansala.
The Mapua Cardinals survived a relentless Centro Escolar University squad, 72-66, with Gab Banal unloading nine of his 16 points in the final quarter.
“It’s good that in the end, the boys came back,” said Randy Alcantara, who took over as interim coach after Mapua opted not to renew Chito Victolero’s contract last week.
Adamson drubbed Philippine Merchant Marine School, 73-63, and Jose Rizal U dumped St. Francis, 86-63, in the other games.
In Naga City, University of Batangas cruised past Naga College Foundation, 115-83, to top the South Luzon-Bicol leg and earn a return stint in the Sweet 16 round.
The scores:
Second Game
MAPUA 72—Banal 16, Nimes 15, Ighalo 13, Parala 9, Magsigay 6, Estrella 4, Eriobu 2, Braña 2, Santinan 2, Cantos 2, Abad 1.
CEU 66—Abundo 16, Parale 14, Jeruta 7, Pagkatipunan 7, Guillen 6, Garcia 5, Batino 4, Magbitang 3, Banwa 2, Opiso 2.
Quarters: 18-15, 38-33, 54-50, 72-66
Fourth Game
ST. CLARE 81—Viernes 23, Gil 22, Santos 15, Managuelod 7, Jamito 6, Torres 6, Lunor 2, Mercado 0, Dijlalia 0, Baylen 0, Diswe 0, Torres 0, Janobas 0, Cruz 0.
UE 79—Sumang 19, Javuer 15, Santos 12, Sumido 10, Belleza 9, Hernandez 8, Alberto 4, Duran 2, Villarias 0, Olayon 0, Gallanza 0, Valdez 0, Duncil 0, Flores 0.
Quarters: 21-22, 43-37, 62-66, 81-79