Bombers blast Cardinals

MANILA, Philippines -  Joe Etame took over for Jose Rizal University in the second half as the Bombers survived the Mapua Cardinals, 60-54, in the first of two do-or-die matches in the stepladder semifinals of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The high-leaping, 6-7 Etame bucked a sluggish first half stint with a fiery second half performance, firing 15 of his 17 points in that stretch, including 10 in the last period that helped the Bombers get past the Cardinals for the win.

“He played big for us, I hope he continues that in our next game,” said Jose Rizal coach Vergel Meneses, referring to his prized recruit from Cameroon.

Etame indeed need to double his effort as the Bombers try to foil the defending champion San Sebastian Stags’ bid in their 2 p.m. duel for the other finals berth.

The winner will advance against the San Beda Lions, who advanced to the finals outright by sweeping the double-round elims. The feat also gave the former three-peat champions a 1-0 edge in the best-of-five finals.

Marvin Hayes, picked by Alaska in the recent PBA rookie draft, poured all his eight points in the second half, including six in the stretch as he combined with Etame in that big JRU finish.

Alex Almario finished with 10 points, including a pair of charities down the stretch that sealed the victory for the Mandaluyong-based school.

Erwin Cornejo shot 16 points while TG Guillermo added 13 points for the Cardinals, who kept the game close all throughout but failed to come up with a strong finishing kick.

Etame closed out the third period with a five-point binge as the Bombers forced a 42-all, then forced the issue inside in the fourth to wrest the lead for the Bombers.

“Coach (Meneses) told me to play not for him and the players but also for the school and I thank him for keeping faith in me,” said Etame.