Mighty Malolos repels Cardinals

MANILA, Philippines – Mighty Malolos rode on a big second half charge and fashioned out a come-from-behind 74-61 victory over Mapua in the Republica Cup basketball tournament at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center in Malolos, Bulacan Tuesday night.

With UAAP back-to-back MVP Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo, Kevin Ferrer of University of Santo Tomas and veteran Edrick Ferrer at the helm, Mighty Malolos bucked a shaky start with a sizzling run in the last two quarters as they posted their 13-point romp to stay unbeaten in two games in Group B elims.

The two UAAP stars scattered 12 points each while Edrick Ferrer, a former University of the Philippines star, drilled in three triples to spark the Mighty Malolos’ fightback from 18 points down.

With the game already in the bag, the Mighty Malolos stars dazzled their Malolos fans with their jaw-dropping crossover and aerial acrobatics.

Earlier, Mighty Malolos, behind Bright Akhuetie and Karim Abdul and former Rain or Shine player TY Tang, needed an extra five minutes to foil FBA champion Pampanga Foton, 99-95.

Akhuetie erupted for 27 points spiked by several towering dunks while Abdul added 19 markers with Tang taking charge of the playmaking chores.