Mapua closes out Season 99 run on podium, survives San Sebastian

Published March 20, 2024 12:06pm

Updated March 20, 2024 1:16pm

Mapua University salvaged a podium finish in tha NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball tournament after escaping San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 64-62, in their battle for third on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

The Red Robins, the second winningest team in the juniors ranks behind the San Beda University Red Cubs, finished third in the tourney while the Staglets ended up fourth.

A 13-6 run to open the fourth saw Mapua enjoying a two-point lead after trailing by as much as 13 in the first half, 59-57.

The wards of head coach Yong Garcia then turned it to a 64-59 advantage thanks to a string of free throws from Sean Salvador and Lawrence Mangubat, who was scoreless at the half.

Ruvic Danag then connected a long triple off a timeout to cut the Staglets’ deficit to just two in the final 11 seconds. But the Red Robins held on just enought to complete the win.

Salvador paced Mapua with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block while Aki Valiña chipped in 13 markers. Mangubat finished with seven and six boards.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News