Mapua keeps NCAA Final Four bid alive
09/03/2008 | 04:46 PM
MANILA, Philippines – The Mapua Cardinals remained in contention for a Final Four berth in the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament after a 75-51 dumping of the Perpetual Help Altas in Wednesday’s game at the Astrodome in Pasay City.
The win improved the Cardinals’ record to 8-5 and brought a number of possible scenarios as the tournament enters the semifinal phase.
Mapua is just a half game behind the no. 4 spot currently occupied by the Letran Knights (8-4), the losing finalist last year.
But in order for the Cardinals to make it into the semis, they need to beat the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Friday and hope that the Knights lose either to the Philippine Christian University Dolphins or the San Beda Red Lions to force a playoff for the last Final Four berth.
The Cardinals can also get an automatic semifinal spot if they win against the Bombers and if the Knights lose their last two games against the Dolphins on Friday and the Lions on September 10.
But Letran will complete the Final Four cast if it wins one of its final two matches coupled by a Mapua loss.
In case the Knights beat the Dolphins and the Cardinals upset the Bombers on Friday, Mapua must hope that Letran drops its final game against San Beda next week to remain in contention.
But a loss by Mapua against the Heavy Bombers, which is also aiming to get a shot for the twice-to-beat edge that goes for finishing in the top two, and a Letran win would end the Cardinals’ chances.
Reigning NCAA most valuable player Kevin Dela Peña, who was the 15th overall pick by the Alaska Aces in Sunday’s PBA rookie draft, led the Cardinals with 12 points, including seven rebounds and seven assists.
“We want to keep going. We want to get that last spot in the Final Four. It’s going to be tough but we have to be physically and mentally aggressive to get there," said Dela Peña after the game. – GMANews.TV
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NCAA Update: San Beda edges SSC, 62-58
09/03/2008 | 05:38 PM
MANILA, Philippines – The San Beda Red Lions edged the San Sebastian Stags, 62-58, in Wednesday’s second game in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Astrodome in Pasay City.
The win put the Lions in sole possession of the top spot while ending the Stags’ eight-game winning run.
San Sebastian dropped to third place after ending the elimination round with a 9-5 card. – GMANews.TV
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