STILL ON TOP. Mapua University's Clint Escarmis slices the defense of Perpetual Help during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 men's basketball at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday (Oct. 21, 2023). The Cardinals won, 62-61, to keep top spot at 8-1. (NCAA photo)
MANILA – Mapua University nipped Perpetual Help, 62-61, to keep the top spot in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 men's basketball at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday.
Marc Cuenco scored 13 points, highlighted by three triples, and made four assists, two rebounds and one steal as the Cardinals claimed their eighth victory in nine outings.
JC Recto also contributed 12 points, six rebounds, five steals and two assists, while Clint Escarmis added 10 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and two assists for Mapua.
Paolo Hernandez chipped in eight points to go with 11 rebounds and four assists, while Warren Bonifacio likewise scored eight points.
John Abis and Christian Pagaran scored 15 points apiece for Perpetual, which fell into a tie with San Sebastian College for sixth place at 3-6.
San Sebastian lost to San Beda University, 53-76, on Friday.
Mark Omega made eight points, 10 rebounds and two steals, while Marcus Nitura had six points, eight rebounds and five assists for the Altas.
San Beda is running second at 6-2, followed by Lyceum (6-3), Jose Rizal University and Emilio Aguinaldo College (5-3), and College of Saint Benilde (4-4).
Arellano University and Letran College are at the bottom with similar 1-7 records. (PNA)
