MAPUA pounded on a depleted Letran side, 86-78 and kept its winning streak in the second round of the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena.
Rookie forward Chris Hubilla had a career game of 19 points for the Cardinals, as he dominated the Knights inside in the absence of injured Pao Javillonar.
Hubilla even flirted with a triple-double, as he also had 10 rebounds and nine assists.
Returning JC Recto had 14 and Jan Jabonete ushered his comeback from a one-game suspension by adding 13 for Mapua, which won for the third straight game and improved to solo second with a 9-3 record.
The Cardinals moved just a full game behind leader St. Benilde and two games ahead of defending champion San Beda.
Mapua clinched the victory despite the absence of Marc Igliane, who served a one-game suspension, as well as shooting guard MC Cuenco who was out due to an ankle sprain.
The decision was a big-time boost for the Cardinals who will play their fourth game in eight days on Sunday in a finals rematch against the Red Lions.
“Gusto namin makuha yung twice-to-beat advantage sa Final 4 kasi malaking bagay yun sa amin,” said Jabonete, who had the words 'Tatak Diggy' written on his playing sneakers in tribute to his grandfather, who passed away on the day he committed an unsportsmanlike foul against Jose Rizal University last week.
Their third straight loss pulled down the Knights outside of the top four at 6-6.
Jace Miller and Kobe Monje each had 14 points for Letran, which missed the services of suspended rookie guard Jimboy Estrada.
Monje and Nat Montecillo also went down with injuries during the course of the game.
The scores:
MAPUA 86 - Hubilla 19, Recto 14, Jabonete 13, Mangubat 10, Bancale 9, Cuenco 7, Escamis 5, Abdulla 4, Concepcion 3, Garcia 2, Ryan 0, Fermin 0.
LETRAN 78 - Miller 14, Monje 14, Cuajao 13, Montecillo 7, Santos 6, Go 6, Dimaano 5, Tagotongan 5, Jumao-As 4, Delfino 2, Nunag 2, Sarza 0.
Quarters: 27-28; 44-44; 66-59; 86-78.
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