LAURENZ Victoria's career night finally paid off for Mapua as it scored the 73-64 victory over Arellano for its breakthrough win in the NCAA Season 95 seniors basketball tournament Saturday at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.
The senior playmaker uncorked a career-best 29 points, to go with eight rebounds and three assists as the Cardinals halted their five-game losing skid.
"Masaya kasi syempre, saan pa ba ako pupunta, 0-5 kami?," reflected coach Randy Alcantara.
"Naka-focus kami makakuha ng unang panalo at tinrabaho ng lahat ng players. Di biro yung depensa ng Arellano, pero naging maganda naman ang resulta especially kay (Kent) Salado."
Paolo Hernandez also was a big shot in the arm for Mapua as he poured 11 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, on top of his seven boards and two steals.
The Chiefs were still knocking on the Cardinals' door, 66-64 in the last 1:09, but Victoria and Hernandez connived on a 7-0 finishing kick to finally end their misery.
Arvin Gamboa added nine points and three rebounds, as Noah Lugo got six points, three boards, two assists, and a steal as Mapua rose to 1-5 and pull Arellano in the same level.
Archie Concepcion topscored for the Chiefs with 13 points and six rebounds, while Rence Alcoriza got 10.
Salado was limited to just six points on a 2-of-5 shooting from the field, but still churned out 11 assists and six rebounds in the losing effort.
The Scores:
MAPUA 73 -- Victoria 29, Hernandez 14, Gamboa 9, Lugo 6, Serrano 5, Gonzales 4, Bonifacio 3, Nieles 3, Bunag 0, Salenga 0, Garcia 0, Aguirre 0, Nocum 0, Dela Cruz 0, Jabel 0.
ARELLANO 64 -- Concepcion 13, Alcoriza 10, Arana 6, Salado 6, Bayla 6, Gayosa 6, Sablan 5, Oliva 4, Espiritu 2, Segura 2, Talampas 2, Santos 1, Sunga 1, Sacramento 0.
Quarters: 12-15, 33-35, 53-52, 73-64.
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