Cards return from the grave, escape Stags
It seemed that the Mapua Cardinals were bound to be the worst team this season, playing a most erratic first half as their foes San Sebastian toyed with them like they were street kids picked for an afternoon pick-up game.
Down by as much as 20, 37-57, early in the third quarter and having already committed 20 turnovers, the wounded Cardinals unleashed a spartan 22-0 run en route to the fourth quarter and proved its endgame poise thrice, escaping the Stags, 104-99, in double overtime during Monday’s NCAA Season 89 hoops action at The Arena in San Juan City.
Former National U Bulldog Joseph Eriobu teamed up with captain Kenneth Ighalo as the Cardinals’ one-two punch during their larger-than-life run that incidentally occurred after a technical foul by Stags’ head coach Topex Robinson for a disputed out-of-bounds call.
This unnerved the Stags as the Cardinals went on turbo mode, scoring on quick shots in the open court.
The seemingly defeated Stags though would not wither away as its erstwhile scoring leader Jamil Ortuoste sank a running layup from midcourt steal by backcourt partner Jovit de la Cruz to tie the game at 76 in regulation.
Ortuoste continued on scavenging midcourt steals by his teammates, sinking a running floater with 30 seconds left in overtime for an 88-86 lead.
In the ensuing play, Eriobu climbed an nonexistent ladder for a tip-in off Jessie Saitanan’s short jumper to send the game to another overtime, 88-88.
Mapua ultimately sealed the win in the second overtime as the Cardinals went to a well-rested Mark Brana, who lorded over his weakened and foul-troubled foes on the paint, scoring eight of his 15 points in the second overtime amidst a final stand from Stag Raffy Gusi.
“I’m so happy!” screamed a jubilant Mapua head coach Atoy Co in the post-game interview. “We survived despite having a lean ten-man rotation.”
Eriobu led the 1-1 Cardinals for his first college breakout game with 30 points and 11 rebounds while Ighalo tallied 21 points and 16 rebounds.
The Stags, who dropped to 1-2, were led by de la Cruz and starter CJ Perez who scored 24 points apiece.
Baloria puts up career game, Altas defuse Bombers
In the twinbill’s nightcap, Perpetual Help downed Jose Rizal University, 78-70, for its second win to tie the Letran Knights as league leaders after five playing dates this season.
Rookie Juneric Baloria silently fired 25 points to lead the Altas while do-it-all Harold Arboleda logged in 13 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.
Veteran Michael Mabulac led the upstart Bombers with 22 points and seven rebounds while rooke Philip Paniamogan added 17 points.
“Maganda sa team na ito, mas nauuna ang teamwork ngayon at walang nagbabwakawan,” commented Baloria, who benefited from well-crafted plays by head coach Aric del Rosario.
BOX SCORES
First game
MAPUA (104): Eriobu 30, Ighalo 21, Isit 10, Saitanan 15, Brana 15, Magsigay 4, Estrella 4, Cantos 3, Biteng 2, Layug 0
SAN SEBASTIAN (99): Dela Cruz 24, Perez 24, De Vera 17, Ortuoste 14, Guinto 8, Tano 6, Gusi 5, Magno 1, Rebollos 0, Vergara 0, Aquino 0
QUARTERS: 12-27, 31-45, 55-57, 76-76, 88-88 (OT), 104-99 (2OT)
Second game
PERPETUAL HELP (78): Baloria 25, Omorogbe 20, Arboleda 13, Alano 9, Elopre 7, Thompson 4, Bantayan 0, Ylagan 0, Dizon 0, Oliveria 0, Jolangcob 0
JOSE RIZAL (70): Mabulac 22, Paniamogan 17, Pontejos 6, Abanto 5, Lasquety 5, Salveria 2, Juanico 2, Gozum 0, Balagtas 0, Benavides 0, Sanchez 0
QUARTERS: 22-20, 41-32, 64-50, 78-70
