MANILA, Philippines – Mapua’s rookie revelation Chris Hubilla took over, while San Beda rode on its grinding defense and Yuki Andrada’s three-point shooting in separate wins in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
Mapua hacked out an 86-78 victory over Letran, leaning on Hubilla amid the scoring struggles of main man Clint Escamis to keep its hold of the second spot at 9-3 on Friday, October 18, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
In the first game, San Beda also turned back University of Perpetual Help, 57-53, to stay at third place with an 8-4 record.
With the key wins, both the Cardinals and the Red Lions stayed within striking distance of solo leader College of St. Benilde Blazers (9-2).
“It’s probably our defense in the second quarter [that keyed the win], we limited them to 7 points, that’s what fueled our offense and got Yuki open,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.
Andrada erupted for a game-high 21 points, 15 coming from three-point range, as the Red Lions’ defense kept the Altas at bay the rest of the way.
The Red Lions held on to the lead after a second-quarter onslaught where the defending champions outscored the Altas, 21-7, in a run that turned an 8-19 deficit into a 29-26 halftime edge.
Perpetual also suffered a big blow when lead point guard Shawn Orgo hurt his left shoulder following a collision with San Beda guard Oliver Tagle and had to be stretchered out.
The Altas dropped to 5-7.
Mapua, meanwhile, had Hubilla taking charge with a near triple-double of 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists to offset his 8 turnovers.
The rookie standout’s all-around efforts were enough to make up for the scoring struggles of Escamis, who only finished with 5 points; the absence of starting center Marc Igliane, who served a one-game suspension; and the sprained ankle sustained by Marc Cuenco.
With the loss, Letran skidded to its third straight defeat and fell to fifth with a 6-6 record.
The Knights’ downfall was also hastened by the absence of lead guy Jimboy Estrada, who was suspended for one game following his ejection in his previous outing.
The Scores
First Game
San Beda 57 – Andrada 21, Lina 9, Puno 8, Estacio 6, Calimag 6, Tagle 4, Sajonia 3, Payosing 0, Bonzalida 0, Tagala 0, Songcuya 0, Celzo 0.
Perpetual 53 – Gojo Cruz 14, Nuñez 11, Pagaran 10, Abis 7, Boral 4, Manuel 3, Montemayor 3, Pizarro 1, Orgo 0, Gelsano 0.
Quarters: 8-19, 29-26, 44-38, 57-53.
Second Game
Mapua 86 – Hubilla 19, Recto 14, Jabonete 13, Mangubat 10, Bancale 9, Cuenco 7, Escamis 5, Abdulla 4, Concepcion 3, Garcia 2, Ryan 0, Fermin 0.
Letran 78 – Miller 14, Monje 14, Cuajao 13, Montecillo 7, Santos 6, Go 6, Dimaano 5, Tagotongan 5, Jumao-As 4, Delfino 2, Nunag 2, Sarza 0.
Quarters: 27-28, 44-44, 66-59, 86-78.
– Rappler.com