Mapua University survived the late barrage from Jade Talampas and Arellano University to eke out an 84-75 win and extend its streak in the NCAA Season 99 on Friday.
Mapua, which is already assured of a Final Four spot and a twice-to-beat bonus, improved to 14-3 behind a five-game winning surge while also-ran Arellano dropped to 2-14.
Clint Escamis put on a show in the fourth quarter, unleashing five straight points capped by a wild layup that sent Mapua to a 71-60 lead halfway through the frame.
The Cardinals were then caught by surprise by the hot hands of Jade Talampas, who would torch the opposition with three huge triples that cut the Chiefs’ deficit to just six, 79-73, with 2:16 left in the game.
Prior to that, Arellano stared at a 13-point disadvantage when JC Recto knocked down two baskets for a 75-62 cushion.
Momentum swung back to Mapua when Paolo Hernandez sank two free throws followed by a split from Escamis as the Cardinals’ lead ballooned to 82-73 in the final 29.7 ticks.
Marc Cuenco led the way for the Cardinals with a team-high 17 points alongside four rebounds, four assists, and two steals while Escamis chipped in 15 markers, six boards, four dimes, and one steal. Hernandez chimed in with 13 points, seven rebounds, and one assist.
Lorenz Capulong registered a career-high 22 points laced with 12 rebounds, one assist, and two blocks while Talampas tallied 14 markers, six boards, and two steals.
Scores:
Mapua 84- Cuenco 17, Escamis 15, Hernandez 13, Recto 10, Soriano 9, Rosillo 7, Fornis 6, Dalisay 5, Bonifacio 2.
Arellano 75- Capulong 22, Talampas 14, Camay 8, Mallari 7, Geronimo 6, Sunga 6, Villarente 4, Ongotan 4, Rosalin 2, Dayrit 2, Tan 0, Yanes 0, Dela Cruz 0, Abastillas 0.
Quarterscores: 25-20; 51-40; 62-56; 84-75.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
