Diego de la Paz | FCF
Following their win against San Sebastian a week ago, San Beda College (13-3) head coach Boyet Fernandez was wary of their opponents and were not planning on taking them lightly.
However, the three-time defending champions’ guns sputtered in the end, allowing for a victory by their upstart opponents from Intramuros.
Mapua Institute of Technology, who entered their match against their Final Four-bound counterparts from Mendiola on a 13 game losing streak, scored just their second win of the tournament to run away with an 81-76 victory in Monday’s NCAA Season 89 seniors basketball matinee matchup.
Powered by an 11-3 run in the final quarter led by center Jessie Saitanan’s 10 points on five consecutive made jumpers, the Cardinals (2-14) gain their first win since their double-overtime victory over San Sebastian College last July 1.
Rookie collegiate head coach Atoy Co was “triple happy” for his team following the win, especially for netting a victory against the league’s kingpin.
But Saitanan, who finished with a team-high 18 points, saw this victory as a fitting birthday present as he turned 21 today.
“Mas masaya pa ako kay Coach Atoy (Co), dahil magandang pa-birthday sa akin ito,” noted their second-year transferee slotman from Colegio de Santa Monica Las Piñas.
Forward Mark Braña shored up their frontline, amounting for 14 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie CJ Isit played one of his best games this season with 11 points and five assists.
The loss, San Beda’s third this season, spoiled a season-high performance from forward Arthur De La Cruz, who finished with 23 points on 5-for-8 shooting from long distance with seven rebounds.
In the second game, San Sebastian College nabbed their ninth win of the season, routing Jose Rizal University, 71-62.
The Stags (9-6), who solidified their hold for the last Final Four berth, effectively eliminates both Benilde and LPU, each holding a 5-10 mark entering the day’s matches.
Rookie swingman CJ Perez led all scorers with 23 points and nine rebounds.
