By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Mapua recovered from a slow start and whipped University of Perpetual Help, 89-65, yesterday in the NCAA juniors basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Jonnel Policarpio scattered 14 of his 23 points in the second quarter as the Red Robins erased a 16-14 first-quarter deficit to take a 38-32 halftime lead on the way to their sixth win in eight games.
Defending champion La Salle Greenhills remains on top with a 6-1 mark.
In his best game so far, Policarpio also posted 13 boards, four assists and two steals while Dan Arches and Clint Escamis combined for 31 points to underscore the team’s depth and firepower.
Perpetual fell to 4-3 in a tie with Jose Rizal University at fourth place.
Meanwhile, San Sebastian squeaked past San Beda, 52-51, despite going scoreless in the last five minutes.
The Red Cubs had the chance to grab the win after Joshua Lazaro blocked Joshua Perez in the dying seconds, but lost their possession to give the Stags their fourth win in nine games.
Milo Janao topscored for San Sebastian with 13 points and 10 rebounds while Kean Baclaan added 11 points.
San Beda evened its record to 3-3.
