Rookie Chris Hubilla registered a double-double as Mapua University took down Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 77-62, on Friday in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The 21-year old Hubilla, who also played before for the San Beda high school program, posted 18 points and 12 rebounds, alongside two steals as the Cardinals improved to 3-1. The Knights, meanwhile, slipped to 2-2.
The Cardinals relied on a strong start as it led 38-28 at the end of the first half before cruising onto the victory.
Mapua had its biggest lead, 62-42, after a Lawrence Mangubat triple but the Knights tried to salvage the match and inched closer, 67-57, with 1:33 left.
However, time was on the Cardinals' side as free throws from Jeco Bancale, Clint Escamis, and Cyrus Cuenco eventually sealed the deal for Mapua.
Cuenco and Mangubat chipped in 13 points apiece as Mapua extended its winning streak to three, while Escamis added 12 points.
Jimboy Estrada was a rebound shy of a double-double as he had 19 points, six assists, and three blocks, while Pao Javillonar had 11 points and seven rebounds just days after he registered a career-high 28 points.
"Pinaghandaan namin 'tong game na 'to and siyempre 'yung mga scorer ng kalaban, nakadepensa kami doon," Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara said.
He also praised Hubilla's performance in the win against their fellow Intramuros-based school.
"Lagi ko naman siya in-expect na ganito kasi ang taas ng energy ng bata and malaking tulong, boost 'yun sa Mapua. Nakita nila [na] ganun kasigasig kumuha ng rebound and of course, go hard sa offense. 'Yun, tumaas ang energy namin because of Chris," Alcantara added.
Hubilla, meanwhile, said he has already adjusted to the ins and outs of the league.
"Ginagawa ko lang talaga 'yung role ko, sumusunod lang ako sa sistema and nakapag-adjust na ako kasi pangatlong laro namin na sobrang gigil ko, parang excited ako. Ngayon, sabi ko sa sarili ko mag-adjust ako," he said.
Mapua will face Lyceum of the Philippines University next on Tuesday, while Colegio de San Juan de Letran will go against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Sunday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
