Will Gozum’s inside game worked wonders for the defending champion Mapua Red Robins in the last two minutes.
The Red Robins got two big baskets from the 6’6 Gozum during that crucial stretch in the closing minutes to put away the Arellano University Braves, 78-75.
This enabled the Red Robins to keep up with the San Beda Red Cubs at the start of the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament on Sunday at the Letran College gymnasium in Intramuros.
With the Chiefs misfiring their shots towards the end, Gozum scored two big baskets that put the Robins out of reach, 74-69, with 1:17 left.
“Medyo bad po (game) nung una. Pero, nakabawi naman dahil sa mga teammates ko,” said Gozum.
He came into the picture moments after the Braves threatened at 66-68, off Marlon Espiritu’s drive off Erick Jabel.
The Red Robins earlier took a 72-66 edge after he and Juaqui Garcia struck from the perimeter in the remaining 1:46.
Then the the Braves responded with a triple from Kobe Camacho while Gozum struck again to give a Mapua a five-point cushion.
“Gusto nilang manalo. Nag-focus sila sa last two minutes kaya hinayaan ko na lang,” said Red Robins coach Randy Alcantara.
Jeff Sapinit led the Red Robins with 15 points while Warren Bonifacio and Gozum dominated with boards with 14 points and 12 rebounds, 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Aaron Fermin and Kobe Camacho provided a gamehigh 19 points for the Braves.
San Beda 86, Arellano Braves 75
The San Beda Red Cubs did not have an easy time with the San Sebastian Staglets.
With veteran guard Evan Nelle taking charge and finding the open man in the last period, the Red Cubs pulled off an 86-75 triumph over the Staglets
Nelle scored only six points, and did an above-average 14 assists for the Red Cubs.
He scored on a drive and then assisted Peter Alfaro during a fastbreak, and this two crucial plays fuelled the Red Cubs’ decisive scoring run in the last five minutes. Alfaro showed the way with 17 points for the Red Cubs, Addie Velasquez added Sam Abu Hijle added 16.
“Expected namin ito. I’m preparing the boys because every game, hindi na madali,” said Red Cubs coach JB Sison.
The Red Cubs, who lost the crown to the Mapua Red Robins last year, held their ground as the Staglets rallied repeatedly.