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The Mapua Cardinals’ stiff defense held the University of Pepertual Help Altas scores for the last two minutes to post a 62-61 triumph on Saturday in the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Reserve player Marc Cuenco showed the way with 13 points for the Cardinals, who finished the first round campaign in the solo lead, and with eight wins and a loss.
The Cardinals once again used their veterans Clint Escamis and Paolo Hernandez sparingly, with JC Recto adding 12 points, six rebounds, and five steals.
Coach Randy Alcantara felt glad of the good showing of a younger set of players who were given opportunities to shine on the floor.
“For sure, target kami. Importante ngayon is mag-concentrate kami, kung anong nagawa naming maganda, itutuloy namin. Kung ano ‘yung lapses namin on defense, lahat [aayusin]. Sigurado lahat naman ganon ang i-expect sa second round, lahat ng players and coaches mag-adjust,” said Alcantara.
Later, the Jose Rizal University relied on a big opening quarter blast to rout the Arellano University Chiefs, 88-72, with Marwin Dionisio unloading 11 of his game-high 21 points.
Teammate Agem Miranda poured in 12 of 15 points in the first 10 minutes as the Heavy Bombers coasted to a 33-18 spread, a lead which they protected to finish the first round with a 6-3 record.
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