BY ABBY TORALBA
RICCI Santos and Joseph Manuel starred for Mapua’s sixth win in the 98th NCAA juniors’ basketball tournament as the Red Robins eliminated Emilio Aguinaldo College 86-63 yesterday at the EAC Gym.
The Red Robins bolstered their semis drive and raised their record to 6-1, thanks to Santos who scored 14 points along with five rebounds and three assists, while Manuel fired 12 markers, three boards and three dimes.
Paolo Morenos also added 12 points for the Red Robins while BJ Catapang posted a double-double of 10 markers and 12 caroms.
The Intramuros-based crew booted out EAC from the Final Four contention after handing the Brigadiers their seventh straight loss.
Mark Mariquit’s 24-point performance went for naught for EAC, while Janray Castillo had 13 points and Theodore Bonafe 11 markers.
Seven Gagate and the La Salle Green Hills Greenies stretched their winning run to five at the expense of Jose Rizal University Light Bombers 79-69.
Gagate shone for the Greenies anew, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 boards, while Manuel Pablo also finished with a double-double of 12 markers and 14 rebounds.
Christian Mesias contributed 12 points and nine caroms while James Ison scored 14 markers to boost La Salle Green Hill’s Final Four hopes.
The Greenies improved their record to 5-2, while the Light Bombers slipped to 2-5.
Jhunehl Discutido paced JRU with 22 points, while Lee Martin and Zairose Mina combined for 22 markers.
