Joaqui Garcia found his shooting form just in time as Mapua University added to Jose Rizal University’s woes, 74-49, in the NCAA Season 98 on Wednesday.
Garcia scored 11 of his 17 points in the second half, including eight in the fourth quarter where the Cardinals put the Heavy Bombers away, 21-9.
The Mapua guard shot 6-for-10 from the field and 5-for-8 from three as he topscored for his streaking squad.
Mapua improved to 5-9 behind a three-game win streak while JRU sank to its third loss in a row for an even 5-5 slate.
Rence Nocum added 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals while Warren Bonifacio added 10 markers.
In a highly-physical third period, Mapua got its offense going as it was able to lead by 14, 51-37, after a Garcia triple. The Cardinals then finished the frame still up, 53-40.
They opened the payoff period with a quick 8-0 barrage courtesy of Garcia’s five points as they went up by 21, 61-40.
Garcia, who only had six points at the half, fired another dagger to put the game away, 66-44, with 3:52 left to play.
Mapua never gave JRU the taste of lead in the first half with the Cardinals leading by nine, 32-23, after a Bonifacio bucket early in the second.
Mapua held on to a 38-31 cushion before marching to the second half as Bonifacio paced them with 10 points while Jonathan Medina and Ry Dela Rosa led for the Heavy Bombers.
Jonathan Medina led JRU with 15 points.
The scores:
Mapua 74 - Garcia 17, Nocum 12, Bonifacio 10, Mercado 7, Hernandez 7, Cuenco 5, Pido 5, Lacap 4, Agustin 3, Salenga 2, Soriano 2.
JRU 49 - Medina 15, Dionisio 12, Dela Rosa 8, Miranda 4, Arenal 2, Amores 2, Sy 2, Celis 2, Guiab 1, Delos Santos 1, Tan 0, Abaoag 0, Villarin 0, De Jesus 0.
Quarters: 21-16, 38-31, 53-40, 74-49.
—JMB, GMA News
