Mapua University flaunted its might as it sent Jose Rizal University packing with an emphatic 77-74 win in Season 99 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Cardinals’ victory put finishing touches to the Final Four picture with Mapua taking on the top spot while Lyceum of the Philippines University will be the second seed, San Beda University third and College of Saint Benilde fourth despite suffering a 69-77 loss to Emilio Aguinaldo College in the first game.
The Heavy Bombers finished their campaign at fifth with a 10-8 win-loss record.
Nat Cosejo churned out 26 points and 10 rebounds while JP Maguliano finished with 12 points and 10 boards for the Generals, who were determined to end their campaign on a strong note.
“Of course, this is our last game so we played with pride,” Cosejo, who supplied the key baskets in regulation that greatly demoralized the Blazers, said.
“We are very thankful with the way our performance turned out. Even if we didn’t make it to the Final Four, at least we fought until the end.”
EAC coach Jerson Cabiltes said he reminded his wards to treat the game as if their lives were on the line.
“I was very upset last game, we didn’t show up and played hard in the first half of our last game. I just reminded the boys that we want to end this season with a win, and bring it to the next season,” Cabiltes, who steered the Generals to their best finish since posting 10-8 in 2013, said.
“So, we needed to get this win, although it’s no bearing, I just told them to play their hearts out and enjoy.”
Corteza paced the Blazers with 19 points while Mark Sangco added 12 and nine boards for the Blazers.
