Mapua clinches top spot in NCAA with win over Arellano

Mapua University solidified its top spot in the NCAA Season 99 Men's Basketball Tournament by defeating Arellano University with a final score of 79-65.

Team captain Warren Bonifacio led the Cardinals with a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, complemented by two assists, a steal, and a block.

Clint Escamis contributed nine points, nine rebounds, five steals, and five assists, and was recently hailed as the Collegiate Press Corps' Player of the Week.

JC Recto and Kobe Dalisay also played significant roles, each scoring 12 points for a combined total of 24.

The Cardinals extended their winning streak to five games, improving their overall record to 7-1.

Mapua established a commanding lead in the second quarter with a 12-0 run and maintained a 25-point advantage in the second half.

Arellano's efforts, led by Lars Sunga's 16 points and Danielle Mallari's 10 points, were not enough to overcome Mapua's dominance, dropping the Chiefs to a 1-7 record.

Despite their success, Bonifacio and Escamis emphasized the importance of staying focused and grounded as they head into the second round of the tournament.