Mapua, Don Bosco a win away

Mapua and Don Bosco-Mandaluyong beat their respective rivals in contrasting fashions yesterday as they zeroed in on the “Sweet 16” phase of the 2008 Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Makati Coliseum.

The Cardinals blasted Lyceum-Batangas, 104-58, while the Don Bosco Graywolves outlasted the Naga-based University of Nueva Caceres, 73-64, to move a win away from joining the eight seeded teams in the elite Sweet 16.

Emilio Aguinaldo College, meanwhile, bucked the resignation of coach Nomar Isla as it rallied past St. Clare, 65-62, to remain in the hunt for a spot in the tournament offering a berth in the 2009 Universiade in Serbia.

With interim coach Gino Manuel at the helm, the Generals used a choking full-court man-to-man defense to unleash a decisive 11-0 run in the final four minutes, turning a 54-62 deficit into the victory, their first in two starts.

Isla reportedly resigned after the team lost 6-foot-7 Cameroonian center Emmanuel John Mbe to 2006 UAAP champion Santo Tomas.

It was the Generals’ first win following a 74-92 setback to the University of the East Warriors.

Jonathan Banal unloaded 18 points while 2008 NCAA rookie of the year Allan Mangahas chipped in 17 points as the Cardinals arranged a knockout duel today with the University of Luzon cagers, who slammed Lyceum-Batangas, 79-62, last Monday.

“We hope to ride on this win when we face University of Luzon tomorrow (today),” said Mapua mentor Leo Isaac.

The Greywolves also need a win against the Lyceum-Manila Pirates today to likewise advance to the main draw staking P500,000, P200,000 and P150,000 for the first to third placers in scholarship grants.

The event is sponsored by Smart, PLDT, KFC, Flying V, Fil-Oil and The STAR with another P500,000, P200,000 and P150,000 in cash up for grabs courtesy of telecommunication mogul Manny V. Pangilinan.

St. Clare appeared headed for the win when they stormed to a 62-54 lead heading into the last four minutes of the contest.

But the General refused to give up and went to their defense to force a series of turnovers with Alain Musni’s three free throws capping the team’s 11-0 blitz.