Cardinals pull off another upset, shock Lions in Fr. Martin Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The Mapua Cardinals struck again and scored another upset in the 10th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup basketball tournament over the weekend.

The Cardinals struck down the defending champion San Beda Red Lions, 70-69, last Saturday at the Arellano University gym in Legarda, Manila.

This sent the Cardinals to their second straight win in Group B.

They now share the lead with the College of St. Benilde Blazers and the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers.

The Heavy Bombers got 17 points from Gio Lasquety as they upended the University of the Philippines Maroons, 76-74.

Andrew Estrella tallied 12 points for the Cardinals, including a winning drive off John Ludovice in the last 15 seconds.

Michael Mabulac made 13 points and scored JRU’s deciding basket with 25 ticks to go.

The other week, on Dec. 8, the CSB Blazers drew 13 points each from Paolo Taha and Mark Romero when they turned back the UP Maroons, 71-61.

The UP Maroons now have a 1-2 win-loss slate.

The Cardinals made heads turn in their opening game last Nov. 30 when the Cardinals got past the San Sebastian Stags, 82-73.