Paolo Hernandez drilled in 12 of his game-high 22 points in the fourth period to lift the Mapua University Cardinals past the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 75-71, on Wednesday in the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Hernandez scored three of four attempts in the last 20.2 seconds to help send the Cardinals to their first victory in four games.
The Blazers, who played without foul-troubled Will Gozum halfway in the last quarter, took their third loss in four outings.
Miguel Corteza unloaded 15 points for the Blazers, with his two charities in the last 3:05 allowing CSB to stay within range.
Migz Oczon added 14 points for CSB, including a trey in final 35 seconds that gave the Blazers the upperhand for a final time, 71-70.
After that, Hernandez unleashed a floater to steer Mapua to a 72-71, edge.
Hernandez then nailed two of three charity shots for the Cardinals in the remaining two seconds.
The Cardinals will seek to stretch their winning to a second game on Sunday against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.