Mapua opened its campaign with a resounding 79-65 triumph over Perpetual Help in the 86th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Mark Acosta shot 14 points and Erwin Cornejo finished with 13 as the Cardinals pulled away in the fourth period to forge a three-way tie for first place with opening-day winners San Sebastian and San Beda.

It was Mapua’s sixth straight victory in a run that dates back to last season.

The Altas drew 23 points from newcomer Arnold Danganan and 16 from Jet Vidal.

The scores:

MAPUA 79 – Acosta 14, Cornejo 13, Ranises 11, Pascual 10, Stevens 6, Sarangay 6, Guillermo 6, Parala 6, Mangahas 4, Banal 3, Maniego 0, Ighalo 0, Carera 0.
PERPETUAL 65 – Danganan 23, Vidal 16, Ynion 7, Allen 6, Alano 6, Sumera 4, Arboleda 2, Elopre 1, Sison 0, Kintanar 0, Asuncion 0.
Quarters: 16-17, 35-36, 55-46, 79-65

Source: Inquirer