Streaking Mapua University just couldn’t be stopped, needing only a big second quarter to rout hapless Arellano University, 79-65, and extend its winning streak in the NCAA Season 99 on Wednesday.
The Cardinals flaunted their depth to make it five wins in a row and improve to 7-1 while the Chiefs slipped to a 1-7 slate.
Still on top of things for Mapua was rookie guard Clint Escamis as he dropped another MVP-like effort of nine rebounds, nine rebounds, five assists, and five steals while team captain Warren Bonifacio churned out a double-double outing of 14 markers and 10 boards alongside two dimes, one swat, and one block.
Arellano managed to keep a tight affair with league-leading Mapua for most of the first quarter, even tying the game at 24-all following a 7-0 run led by Lars Sunga.
However, the wards of head coach Randy Alcantara started to pull away when they poured 27 points in the second frame to build a 43-30 cushion as Escamis continued to anchor their offense.
That lead went up to as high as 25 when Andrei Igliane buried a basket for a 63-38 advantage before they ended the period enjoying a 65-45 separation.
Other guys stepped up for Mapua in the payoff period with the likes of Kobe Dalisay, JC Recto, and Jun Asuncion joining in on the shooting spree as they booked their second most lopsided victory in the season after their 75-57 triumph against San Beda University.
Aside from Escamis and Bonifacio, Recto and Dalisay also shone with 12 points apieceas Marc Cuenco chipped in eight.
Mapua will look to end the first round on a winning note when it takes on Perpetual on Saturday while Arellano has Jose Rizal University next on the same day.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
