Cards triumph over Altas, 95-83

The Cards’ shuffled starting line-up for the match resulted in an offense-driven first quarter. First-time starters, Shooting Guard Carl Brian Lacap and Guard/Forward Toby Bryan Agustin, powered the Cards as they went off with six three-pointers through the first quarter, 26-13.

The Intramuros-based ballers maintained their momentum, shrugging off the Perpetual Altas with a balanced offensive and defensive play compared to their past games in the season. They soared with their highest lead of 26 points, wrapping up the first half with 54-28, in favor of the yellow jerseys

The Cards then earned a 28-point advantage, outdoing their biggest lead record in the previous frame. Regardless of their opponents’ attempts to catch up with the pace, the red and gold team strengthened their defense and left a healthy gap of 18 points at the end of the third quarter, 73-55.

In the last quarter, the Cards were called on multiple fouls, giving way for the Altas to chip off their deficit to as low as six points with 1 and 40 seconds left on the clock. The Cards stumped on the opponent team’s scoring with a decisive defensive play and a neat final three-pointer from Shooting Guard Paolo Hernandez, clinching their 95-83 victory.

The Cardinals poured in 16 three-point shots, setting a new record for the most number of three-point baskets by a team in a game for the season and surpassing the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals that pitched 10 treys.

Cards’ Agustin, the Player of the Game, marked career-high 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, followed by Lacap who earned 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Shooting Guard Adrian Clarence Nocum and Team Captain and Forward Warren Bonifacio each scored 13 points with Nocum contributing 2 rebounds and 3 assists and Bonifacio pitching in 9 rebounds and 1 assist.

Altas’ Jielo Razon led the Perpetual Altas with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Meanwhile, Jeff Egan added 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists; and Cris Pagaran chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds.

Following their redemption game, the Mapúa Cardinals improved to a 4-2 win-loss record and maintained the same team standing in the basketball league along with their next opponent, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazers. Meanwhile, the Perpetual Altas fell to 2-4.

In a post-game interview, Agustin shared his preparations for the game against the Perpetual Altas after suffering from a two-game losing streak. “’Pag hindi nag-click iyong first group, coming off the bench, kailangan ma-doble naming ang ginagawa nila, masunod naming kung ano ang game plan,” the Player of the Game said.

“Focus lang kami sa kung ano ‘yung sinasabi […] ni Coach Randy. Kailangan ready lang lagi,” he added.

With three games left in the elimination round of NCAA Season 97, the Mapúa Cardinals will attempt to break off the tie with the CSB Blazers tomorrow, April 19, at 12:00 NN, in the same gymnasium. All basketball games will air on GTV with live streaming on the social media platforms of NCAA Philippines and GMA Sports PH.

The Scores:
MU 95 – Agustin 24, Lacap 19, Nocum 13, Bonifacio 13, Hernandez 9, Asuncion 9, Pido 5, Garcia 3, Gamboa 0, Mercado 0
UPHSD 83 – Razon 24, Egan 18, Pagaran 17, Aurin 12, Boral 4, Barcuma 4, Omega 2, Abis 2, Sevilla 0, Cuevas 0, Martel 0, Nunez 0

Quarter Scores: 26-13, 54-28, 73-55, 95-83