Cardinals thwart Generals

MANILA, Philippines – The Mapua University Cardinals swooped down on the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 73-69, in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball clash Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

With Mapua trailing by one, 67-68, with a little over a minute remaining, Clint Escamis jumped the passing lane and stole the ball to start the fast break.

He then passed the ball to Ryle Rosillo, who finished the transition with a layup as the Cardinals went ahead, 69-68, with 1:11 remaining.

On the other end, Joshua Tolentino split his free throws to tie the game.

Paolo Hernandez, however, drove left and stepped back from the elbow to give the Cardinals a 71-69 lead with 35 seconds remaining.

EAC tried to take the lead with a corner three by Ralph Robin, but he badly missed it.

A Tolentino short stab also went out the rim.

A pair of free throws by Escamis then set the final score.

Five Cardinals finished in double digits, with Jopet Soriano leading with 15 points and six rebounds.

Hernandez and Ferdie Asuncion posted 11 points each, and Escamis and JC Recto scored 10 apiece.

EAC’s Nat Cosejo led the Generals with 23 points.