Mapua blasts Treston in Fr. Martin's preseason clash

Warren Bonifacio drives past Carlos Lopena.

By Dugout Philippines

MANILA--The Mapua University Cardinals used a second quarter run to pull away and beat the Treston International College Golden Lions, 90-72 in the latest game day of the 25th Fr. Martin’s Cup Summer Tournament Friday at the San Beda University Gym.

After a close opening quarter, the twin tower combination of Warren Bonifacio and Christian Buñag kickstarted a huge second quarter rally for the Cardinals.

Using a 13-6 run, the NCAA side transformed slim margin to a more comfortable 38-21 edge and never looked back for a decisive victory over the ISAA squad in Seniors division A action.

The Cardinals controlled the game until the fourth period, although did experience some resistance from the Golden Lions which trimmed the deficit to just 69-59.

But a strong close out from Mapua sealed the win.

Bonifacio topped all scorers with 16 points while guard Adrian Nocum contributed 15 markers. Buñag accounted for 14.

In the second affair, the Treston Golden Cubs avenged their seniors counterparts by blowing out the San Beda Manila Red Cubs in Group A of the Juniors division, 93-74 behind 14 points from Ronel Ulep.

The big man was instrumental as the Taguig-based squad likewise established a sizable advantage in the second quarter.

Speedy point guard Rasheen Jose backstopped Ulep with 10 points while setting up his teammates for most stretches of the game.

Art Cagandahan chipped in 12 markers.

The lead was extended to as much as 57-34 for the Golden Cubs late in the third period as they carried a 20-point advantage heading into the final frame, 67-47.

The Red Cubs tried to make it competitive, cutting the margin down to 68-55 after an 8-1 run, but the Golden Cubs responded to hold fort.

Forward Andrei Ostonal was a one-man show for the Red Cubs, finishing with a game-high 23 points in a losing effort.

Meanwhile, last Wednesday, UAAP contender De La Salle University Green Archers stamped their class in a convincing win over AMA University for their first win of the tournament.

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