By Ricky Manliguis
SAN JUAN, MM—Round 1 of the Letran-Mapua Rivalry 2016 Edition goes to Mapua.
Darell Menina went on sniper mode in the final moments as the Cardinals foiled the reigning champions Letran, 79-75, to finish the first round of the eliminations of NCAA Season 92 Basketball Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Cebuano spitfire poured 12 of his 17 points in the final quarter, including a three-pointer to cap 10-4 closing salvo that gave them a 75-71 lead with 1:01 left in the game.
Rey Nambatac led the Knights to one last fightback to come within a point but missed a crucial basket in the end. Bong Quinto then was slapped with a travelling violation moments later, sealing Letran’s doom.
All in all, Menina converted 6-of-8 from the field for a 75 percent clip. He also had three assists and a steal in 29 playing minutes.
Reining MVP Allwell Oraeme registered 20 points and 20 rebounds to lead the Mapua offensive. Joseph Eriobu played his best game so far, scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 boards.
CJ Isit, returning from a fractured finger injury, chipped in nine.
With the win, the Cards improved to 6-3, just behind joint-second placers Arellano University and Perpetual Help (both 7-2) and league-leaders San Beda (8-1).
The Knights fell to 5-4.
Quinto led the way with 20, while Jom Sollano and Nambatac contributed 16 and 13 markers, respectively.
Box Scores:
Mapua 79-Oraeme 20, Eriobu 19, Menina 17, Isit 9, Orquina 4, Biteng 3, Victoria 3, Estrella 2, Serrano 2, Raflores 0
Letran 75-Quinto 20, Sollano 16, Nambatac 13, Calvo 9, Balanza 8, Luib 7, Ambohot 2, Apreku 0, Bernabe 0
Quarterscores: 19-22, 38-42, 54-58, 79-75
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