Cardinals score breakthrough

MANILA, Philippines — Marc Cuenco and Jamal Diaz took charge in the fourth quarter as Mapua slew defending champion San Beda, 55-54, yesterday to barge into the win column in NCAA Season 102 at the Filoil Center.

Cuenco sizzled for 11 of his game-high 19 points while Diaz poured on all his eight points in the final period when the Cardinals turned a nine-point deficit into their first victory after dropping their first three assignments.

It was a stinging defeat for the Lions, who appeared headed to a win and a share of the Group A lead with the St. Benilde Blazers (3-1) after leading by 11 points early in the third canto.

But they faded in the end and dropped to 2-2.

T-MC Ongotan unleashed a career-high 29 points as Arellano U stunned Letran, 82-81, for the Group B lead at 4-0. The Knights fell to 3-1.