Mapua University bucked a low-scoring first half to overcome San Sebastian College-Recoletos,70-63, and grab a share of lead in the NCAA Season 99 standings on Sunday.
The Cardinals improved to 10-3 to forge a two-way tie at the top with Lyceum of the Philippines University, which defeated them in the previous game.
The Stags, on the other hand, dropped to 4-9.
Mapua had a woeful first half outing, shooting just nine of its 35 field goal attempts as the Cardinals trailed the Stags at the turn, 23-26.
The Cardinals, however, would find their rhythm with Marc Cuenco after dropping back-to-back triples to open the fourth period and give his side a 57-50 lead.
Graduating big man Warren Bonifacio then hit timely baskets down the stretch, including a three-point play opportunity that saw Mapua ahead by 10 with 3:51 left, 66-56.
Bonifacio sealed the deal with two free throws despite the Stags posing a threat in the final moments.
He paced Mapua with a team-high 15 points alongside nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals while Cuenco and Jopet Soriano chipped in 12 and 11 markers apiece.
Mapua returns to action on Wednesday against Emilio Aguinaldo College while San Sebastian will take on Colegio de San Juan de Letran on the same day.
Scores:
Mapua 70- Bonifacio 15, Cuenco 12, Soriano 11, Hernandez 8, Escamis 7, Recto 7, Dalisay 6, Igliane 4, Bancale 0, Morenos 0, Fornis 0, Asuncion 0.
San Sebastian 63-Calahat 18, Felebrico 15, Are 8, Ra. Gabat 8, Desoyo 7, Sumoda 4, Una 4, Escobido 2, De Leon 0, Shanoda 0, Castor 0, Aguilar 0.
Quarterscores: 12-11; 23-26; 51-45; 70-63.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
