MANILA, Philippines — Mapua University quenched its thirst after ending its 33-year title drought, taking down College of Saint Benilde, 94-82, in the Game 2 of the NCAA 100 men’s basketball tournament best-of-three finals on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Four Cardinals scored in double digits as Cyrus Cuenco put up 19 points, while Clint Escamis, Lawrence Mangubat, and Chris Hubilla chipped in 18, 17, and 15 markers, respectively.
Benilde committed 20 turnovers in the match, while Mapua only made 11.
NCAA 100 Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag still put up a double-double performance of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Justine Sanchez led the Blazers with 24 points, but it was not enough to force a Game 3 decider.
The last time that Mapua won the championship was on Oct. 16, 1991, against San Beda University when head coach Randy Alcantara was still playing.
