NCAA: Perpetual grounds Mapua for 4th straight win, moves closer to Final 4 spot

University of Perpetual Help moved closer to a Final Four spot after turning back Mapua, 88-71, in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Altas also bumped their winning streak to four games to get to a 9-5 record to momentarily hold the fourth seed with Colegio de San Juan de Letran (9-4) and College of St. Benilde (8-5) yet to play their respective games later in the afternoon.

Perpetual’s sizeable 20-13 buffer after the first quarter proved enough for the Altas as they never relinquished the lead for the remainder of the game.

“The target is to just keep on winning until we get to the Final Four,” said Altas head coach Frankie Lim. “We’re playing must-win games next week against EAC [Emilio Aguinaldo College] and Baste [San Sebastian].”

Kim Aurin led Perpetual’s offense with 23 points while Prince Eze put up a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double.

Jelo Razon and Edgar Charcos also finished in double-figures for the Altas with 19 and 12 points, respectively.

Warren Bonifacio had 20 points and nine rebounds for the 4-10 Cardinals who are sitting at the eighth spot of the ladder.