MAPUA University used a strong second half to dismantle Jose Rizal University, 72-67, in the NCAA men's basketball tournament on Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Laurenz Victoria delivered 13 points and four rebounds and four more Cardinals scored in double figures as they moved to solo fifth place with a 7-6 win-loss card. San Beda leads with a 14-0 record followed by Lyceum (9-3), Letran (9-4) and San Sebastian (7-5).
"Slow start kami pero masaya kasi one day preparation lang kami for this, malaki na yung lamang namin nung nakahabol sila," said Mapua coach Randy Alcantara.
With the Cardinals ahead 66-48 in the fourth quarter, JRU inched closer with a 15-2 blast to trim the gap to five with less than two minutes left, 63-68.
Justin Serrano tallied 12 points, JP Nieles and Christian Bunag each scored 11, while Cyril Gonzales added 10 points for Mapua.
Noah Lugo did not play due to a fever while Paolo Hernandez is still nursing his knee injury, but is expected to play in their game against Lyceum.
Marq Dionisio scored 15 for JRU, which fell to 4-9. Justin Valencia
The scores:
Mapua 72 - Victoria 13, Serrano 12, Nieles 11, Bunag 11, Gonzales 10, Bonifacio 8, Aguirre 3, Salenga 2, Nocum 2, Garcia 0, Jabel 0, Gamboa 0.
JRU 67 - Dionisio 15, Miranda 13, Amores 12, Dela Rosa 8, Aguilar 8, Delos Santos 5, Arenal 2, Abaoag 2, Jungco 2, Vasquez 0, Macatangay 0.
Quarterscores: 12-15; 30-31; 48-39; 72-67.
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