Mapua Cardinals Maintain Lead in NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

San Juan City – Mapua University’s basketball team, the Cardinals, solidified their position at the top of the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament by defeating the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 69-53, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena on Wednesday. This victory marks the Cardinals’ 13th win in the season against three losses.

According to Philippines News Agency, Clint Escarmis, a standout player, led the Cardinals with 17 points, six steals, four rebounds, four assists, and a block. Warren Bonifacio and Jopet Soriano also contributed significantly to the victory. Bonifacio added 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block, while Soriano chipped in with 10 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. The team had built a commanding 56-36 lead by the end of the third quarter. On the opposing side, Art Roque scored 13 points and made 12 rebounds for Perpetual, contributing to their 8-8 standing alongside Emilio Aguinaldo College. Other notable players for Perpetual included Christian Pangan, John Abis, and Mark Omega.

With this win, Mapua continues to lead the tournament, followed closely by Lyceum of the Philippines University with 11 wins and four losses, and the College of Saint Benilde in third place with a 10-5 record. Jose Rizal University holds the fourth spot with a 10-6 record, and San Beda University is fifth at 8-6. San Sebastian College of Recoletos and Arellano University trail behind in the standings.