Mapua blew hot and cold and then hot again in the fourth quarter as it stunned Perpetual Help, 91-81, to improve its effort last year in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City on Wednesday.
Leo Gabo erupted for 23 points while CJ Isit had 21 points and 10 assists as the Cardinals improve to a fourth win against 10 losses.
Mapua's four-victory total surpassed its three-win effort a season ago.
"That's our goal, to improve on our effort last year and we're happy achieved it," said Mapua coach Atoy Co.
The Cardinals also kept the Altas stranded at fifth place with an 8-6 (win-loss) record, or a full game off No. 4 College of St. Benilde (9-5).
Four-time defending champion champion San Beda remains on top with an 11-2 record, two games ahead of the pack headed by Arellano University (9-4) and Jose Rizal (9-4). — Photo by Jeff Venancio
The scores:
Mapua 91- Gabo 23, Isit 21, Eriobu 13, Cantos 12, Biteng 9, Estrella 7, Saitanan 6, Tubiano 0, Villasenor 0
Perpetual Help 81- Thompson 20, Baloria 19, Alano 14, Arboleda 11, Dagangon 8, Jolangcob 5, Ylagan 2, Pido 2, Oliveria 0, Bantayan 0, Gallardo 0
Quarters: 28-26; 47-40; 65-60; 91-81
