Mapua keeps Final Four bid alive with EAC drubbing

MANILA, Philippines – Mapua Institute of Technology stayed in contention for the crowded Final Four picture by easily cruising to a 88-63 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College on Friday, October 9 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

It was a closely-contested ball game in the first half, but the Intramuros-based troop completely turned the tide in the second half as the Cardinals pulled away and limited EAC to a 13-point output in the fourth period due to their suffocating defense on court.

In addition, Mapua forced 29 turnovers against its counterpart and was able to convert 28 buckets from it.

Josan Nimes, who was picked up by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the first round of the 2015 PBA draft, made his scoring presence felt after 6 silent outings as he amassed 13 markers to come along with 7 dimes.

The 6-foot-3 forward registered 10 of his 13 points and only missed one basket in the first half.

Aside from Nimes, five of his teammates are in double figures as Allwell Oraeme had 16 points, JP Nieles added 12 markers, and CJ Isit chipped in 11.

Meanwhile, Darell Menina and Mark Brana hauled 14 apiece for Mapua, which concluded the NCAA Season 91 double-round robin eliminations with a win-loss slate to 12-6 and is now tied with Arellano University and Jose Rizal University.

Regardless of the outcome in the match between Colegio de San Juan de Letran and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta later this afternoon, there would be a stepladder playoff for the remaining slots in the semi-final phase.

On the other hand, EAC ended its NCAA Season 91 campaign with a 2-16 record and finished its seventh year in the oldest collegiate league at the bottom of the team standings.

Despite the losing effort, the Generals were led by Sidney Onwubere, who made 21 points but was fouled out in the fourth quarter.

Scores:

Mapua (88) – Oraeme 16, Menina 14, Brana 14, Nimes 13, Nieles 12, Isit 11, Biteng 3, Serrano 3, Aguirre 2, Raflores 0

EAC (63) – Onwubere 21, Hamadou 11, General 8, Munsayac 8, Diego 8, Mejos 5, Bonleon 2, Pascual 0, Corilla 0, Mallari 0

Quarter scores: 15-14, 41-38, 61-50, 88-63. – Rappler.com