Cards make last trip to semis

MANILA, Philippines - Mapua leaned on Rodel Ranises’ clutch shots as it turned back St. Benilde, 64-59, yesterday to clinch the fourth and last Final Four berth in the 86th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The 5-11 Ranises fired four triples as he powered the Cardinals to their ninth win against six losses and straight into the semis along with the San Beda Lions, San Sebastian Stags and Jose Rizal Bombers.

“We’ve already accomplished our two goals this season, one was to surpass our record last year (6-12) and make the Final Four,” said Mapua coach Chito Victolero.

The Blazers, who were led by Carlo Lastimosa’s 16 points and Tim McCoy’s 15 points, fell to their 11th setback against five wins.

Earlier, Perpetual Help routed Emilio Aguinaldo, 69-52, for its first win after 14 straight losses.

Arnold Danganan fired 23 points on a 10-of-15 shooting from the field while Jet Vidal and George Allen added 17 and 12 points, respectively, to power the Altas to the victory.

Emilian Vargas shot 12 points for the Generals, who fell to their 13th setback against two wins.

In juniors’ action, La Salle-Greenhills nearly blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter but hung tough to escape with a 72-71 win over Mapua to remain in the hunt for a semis berth.

Michael Pate scored 12 points while Michael Bonleon chipped in 10 points for the Junior Blazers, who posted their ninth win against seven losses, half a game ahead of the Letran Squires (8-6).

EAC, meanwhile, stunned Perpetual Help, 82-71, to improve to a 3-12 card.

The Altas fell to their sixth setback against nine triumphs for a share of third with the Junior Blazers.