NCAA: Mapua back on track after thumping Perpetual

Mapua Cardinals in the NCAA Season 97. NCAA/GMA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Toby Agustin poured 24 points as Mapua ended a two-game slide with a 95-83 victory over Perpetual Help  Wednesday in the NCAA Season 97 men’s basketball tournament at the La Salle Greenhills Gym.

The Cardinals fired 12 three-pointers to create a huge 54-28 separation and withstood the Altas’ fightback during the latter half for a 4-2 record.

Mapua tied St. Benilde at third place behind joint leaders Letran and San Beda (4-0) to stay within reach for an outright Final Four berth.

Brian Lacap added 19 points, six rebounds and five assists while Adrian Nocum and Warren Bonifacio each had 13 points for Mapua.

Perpetual dropped in a tie with San Sebastian at 2-4.

Jielo Razon had 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists while Jeff Egan contributed 18 markers, five boards and two assists for the Altas.

The Scores

Mapua (95) — Agustin 24, Lacap 19, Nocum 13, Bonifacio 13, Hernandez 9, Asuncion 9, Pido 5, Garcia 3, Gamboa 0, Mercado 0.

Perpetual (83) — Razon 24, Egan 18, Pagaran 17, Aurin 12, Boral 4, Barcuma 4, Omega 2, Abis 2, Sevilla 0, Cuevas 0, Martel 0, Nunez 0.
Quarterscores: 26-13, 54-28, 73-55, 95-83.