NCAA: Cardinals overcome Chiefs late rally, improve to 2-2

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Mapua survived a fiery fourth quarter fightback by Arellano, 91-83, to stop a two-game slide in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Cardinals blew an 18-point lead before making crucial baskets down the stretch to keep the Chiefs behind.

“After our loss last game we really gave our double effort in practice to get our intensity up,” said Mapua’s third-year guard Laurenz Victoria, who scored nine points and provided stability in the backcourt amid Arellano’s rally.

Five Cardinals scored in double figures led by Christian Buñag, who had 16 points on top of 10 rebounds.

Eric Jobel added 15 while Cedric Pelayo had 13, including a jumper that gave Mapua an 87-80 cushion with 2:20 remaining.

Warren Bonifacio and Noah Lugo chipped in 12 points each. Lugo put the Cardinals out of harm’s way with a drive, 91-82, with 27.5 seconds left.

Levi Dela Cruz topscored with 25 points for the Chiefs, who came to within five, 85-80, after a layup by Guilmer Dela Torre with still 2:34 to go.

Mapua tied Arellano and College of St. Benilde in the standings at 2-2.