Cardinals oust Generals, boost stock

MANILA, Philippines - Mapua bucked a shaky start with a strong windup as it eliminated Emilio Aguinaldo College, 74-65, while solidifying its hold of the fourth spot in the 86th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The Cardinals fell by nine points in the first quarter but bounced back to gain control in the second   before cruising in the final half to post their seventh victory against four losses.

The win moved Mapua within a win of third running Jose Rizal U (8-3) while pulling away from joint fifth placers Arellano U and Letran (4-7) heading into the last two weeks of the double-round elims.

The Generals fell to 2-10.

Erwin Cornejo and Allan Mangahas took charge for Mapua in the second period as the Cardinals erased an 8-17 deficit, posted a 33-23 lead at the half and never looked back.

“It’s an important win for us because at least we firmed up our position at fourth,” said Mapua coach Chito Victolero.

Earlier, St. Benilde survived Arellano U, 71-69, to stay alive in the Final Four race.

Mark De Guzman erupted with 19 points as he took the lead role from Carlo Lastimosa, the league’s leading scorer who was held to a season-low output of nine points.

“I’m happy for Mark because he really struggled in our last few games,” said St. Benilde coach Richard del Rosario. “I would like to give credit for Carlo because he took a step back to give his other teammates a chance.”

CSB improved to 4-8.

Adrian Celada led all scorers with 24 points but fouled out in the fourth quarter as the Chiefs fell to their seventh setback against four wins.