NCAA: Mapua nips Letran (4:47 p.m.)

MANILA -- The duo of Mark Acosta and Jonathan Banal dumped nine of Mapua’s 16 points in the final quarter to defeat Letran, 66-51, at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Cardinals and the Knights engaged themselves in a seesaw ride, but the end-game experience of Letran prevailed in the last three minutes of the final canto en route to a solo fourth standing in the nine-member tournament.

Mapua improved to 3-2 (win-loss) card while Letran suffered its second consecutive defeat to drop at 1-4.

“I’m very happy na nakakadeliver lahat. Lahat naman ng teams mabigat so we really have to be prepared, hindi namin pwede balewalain ang kung sino mang kalaban. I told my boys that we are expecting a physical game against Letran. Before this, we know that we have to firm up on experience, maturity and consistency. Maganda ang lead at naprotektahan namin,” said coach Chito Victolero.

Acosta finished with 20 markers while Banal chipped in eight points with a perfect score (six-of-six) on the charity paint.

Franz Dysam topscored anew for the Knights with 12 points, eight of which were unloaded in the second quarter, where Letran moved closely at the end of the first half, 34-30.

Defending champion San Sebastian Stags (4-0) and rejuvenated Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers are playing as of press time. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)