At A Glance
- Hernandez exploded with a game-high 22 points including a mid-range jumper with 21.9 seconds remaining that lifted the Cardinals to their third victory in as many outings.
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Mapua drew strength from Paolo Hernandez as it eked out a 75-71 victory over College of St. Benilde in NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

Hernandez exploded with a game-high 22 points including a mid-range jumper with 21.9 seconds remaining that lifted the Cardinals to their third victory in as many outings.
Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara knew that he could count on Hernandez when in the crunch.
“Tiwala ako sa kanya, alam kong may desisyon siyang maganda gawin, pwedeng itira, pwedeng ipasa. Maganda yung mga pinakita nya nung mga nakaraang mga crucial games namin,” Alcantara said.
The Blazers actually started hot with reigning MVP Will Gozum carrying the offense in the opening frame for a double-digit lead, before Clint Escamis answered back by scoring 10 points to keep the Cardinals within striking distance, 30-28.
St. Benilde held on to their advantage until the final quarter including a clutch triple from Migz Oczon with 35 seconds left, but Hernandez was there to rescue Mapua.
Escamis added 12 points, five rebounds and five assists while Soriano had 12 as well for Mapua.
Miguel Corteza posted 15 points including two triples while Oczon and Gozum had 14 and 11 points for St. Benilde, who slipped to 1-3.