Gilas cadets close out Filoil Cup campaign with blowout of Mapua

MANILA, Philippines – Already-ran Gilas cadets ended their 12th Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup on a high note with a 97-78 romp of the Mapua University Cardinals at the San Juan Arena on Monday, June 4. 

Robert Bolick fired 13 points with 3 assists and Kobe Pares chipped in 12 points, 3 assists and two blocks as Gilas cadets staved off an inspired Mapua comeback to end their campaign with a 3-5 record.

The Cardinals, who fell to 3-3, trailed by 15 points before clawing their way back into the game and knotted the score at 57 off a steal and conversion from Eric Jabel.

However, Gilas answered with an 8-3 run, spiked by back-to-back Ken Tuffin triples, for a 65-60 lead – an advantage that stood until the final buzzer. 

Troy Rike churned out 11 points and 8 rebounds, Matt Nieto scored 9 while Tuffin and Thirdy Ravena chipped in 8 points apiece in the win. 

Kai Sotto, the youngest player on the floor, sparked a 7-0 blitz as Gilas enjoyed a 79-64 advantage. Three straight triples from Ravena, Bolick and Javee Mocon sealed the win for the cadets.  

Cedric Pelayo and Jabel topscored for the Cardinals with 14 points apiece while Lawrence Victoria added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in the loss. 

The cadets dominated the first half with a 49-38 cushion for Mapua found their footing. 

The Scores:

Gilas cadets (97): Bolick 13, Paras 12, Rike 11, Nieto 9, Ravena 8, Tuffin 8, Tamayo 6, Alejandro 5, Sotto 5, Gozum 5, Tratter 4, Go 4, Tolentino A. 4, Mocon 3, Tolentino V. 0

Mapua Cardinals (78): Pelayo 14, Jabel 14, Victoria 12, Aguirre 11, Lugo 9, Biteng 6, Bonifacio 5, Bunag 5, Gamboa 2, Nocum 0, Pajarillo 0, Serrano 0

Quarter scores: 25-21, 49-38, 72-64, 97-78 – Carla Jazmine B. Molina/Rappler.com