Strong rally lifts Cardinals

We really prepared for our match against EAC

Mapua University pocketed its second straight win after downing Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), 76-66, in Season 95 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Cyril Gonzales and Paolo Hernandez delivered the goods for the Cardinals, who used a 21-0 blast to break away from a tight contest and improve their win-loss standing to 2-5.

“We really prepared for our match against EAC,” said Mapua deputy coach Yong Garcia. We focused on individual skills as well as our defense. The (game) suspensions gave us time to prepare.”

“Hopefully, these back-to-back wins will give the team the confidence because that 0-5 was really a downer.”

Gonzales fired 13 points and added three rebounds while Hernandez chipped in 11 markers to go along with three boards and a block.

The Generals took the lead at 35-34 with a 7-0 assault early in the third quarter, but Mapua responded with a momentum-swinging 21-0 burst to take a 56-35 advantage and never looked back.

JC Luciano paced EAC with 12 points and seven rebounds while JP Maguliano added 10 markers and six boards. The Generals dropped to 1-6 in the team standings.