NCAA Season 97 runner-up Mapua University stretched its mastery of San Beda University, pulling off a 66-55 victory to wrap up the Season 98 double-header Saturday opener at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Cardinals flaunted its depth early with Paolo Hernandez, Brian Lacap, and Jasper Salenga each pouring five points as they took a 31-23 halftime lead.
The Red Lions, though, uncorked the third period with two long bombs to threaten Mapua, but the wards of Randy Alcantara staged a 23-8 run to close out the third period with a huge 54-37 lead.
With other key cogs like Rence Nocum and Joaqui Garcia leading their third quarter surge, Mapua put itself in a comfortable position with 12 minutes left to play.
San Beda tried to mount a rally in the fourth with a Ralph Penuela triple bringing them to within 10 points before Mapua held on for the win.
Arvin Gamboa led Mapua in offense with 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists while Lacap and Garcia collected 11 and 10 markers, respectively as the Cardinals went 1-0 early to begin its bid for the title following a bridesmaid finish last season.
Salenga had seven points and four rebounds while Hernandez and team captain Warren Bonifacio also registered six points apiece.
James Kwekuteye, meanwhile, led San Beda with 15 points, including 3-for-7 shooting from three.
Mapua will look to book its second win on Wednesday against Lyceum while San Beda clashes with EAC on Tuesday.
The game will have a delayed telecast at 9:30 p.m. on GTV and delayed streaming on NCAA Philippines and GMA Sports PH social media at the same time.
The scores:
MAPUA 66 — A. Gamboa 12, Lacap 11, Garcia 10, Salenga 7, Hernandez 6, Bonifacio 6, Nocum 4, Soriano 2, Pido 2, Agustin 2, G. Gamboa 2, Mercado 2, Cuenco 0.
SAN BEDA 55 — Kwekuteye 15, Bahio 9, Penuela 8, Sanchez 6, Visser 6, Cortez 5, Cuntapay 4, Jopia 2, Alfaro 0, Andrada 0, Ynot 0, Cometa 0.
Quarters: 18-13, 31-23, 54-37, 66-55.
