Chris Hubilla, now playing for Mapua after suiting up for two teams in two leagues, finally finds a home and leads the Cardinals past Letran, while Lyceum survives Arellano in overtime
MANILA, Philippines – Chris Hubilla finally found the right team to showcase his wares.
A journeyman in his young collegiate career, Hubilla proved to be a fit in Mapua, towing the Cardinals to a 77-62 triumph over the Letran Knights in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Friday, September 20, at the FilOil Ecoil Centre.
Hubilla, who previously suited up for the University of the Philippines in the UAAP and Letran in the NCAA, took charge with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 steals in the victory that propelled the Cardinals to solo second.
“Ito na hinihintay ko, nakakkuha ako ng team na alam ko magagamit talent ko,” said Hubilla.
(This is what I’ve been waiting for, I found a team where I know my talent will be maximized.)
The Cardinals improved to 3-1, just behind their opening-day tormentor, the College of St. Benilde Blazers, who remained solo on top with a 4-0 record.
Letran fell into a share of third at 2-2 — a six-team logjam that also includes Lyceum, which outlasted winless Arellano in overtime, 90-86, in the first game.
The Pirates rode on the overtime heroics of Mclaude Guadana and John Barba as they rallied from an 11-point deficit, 52-63, in the third quarter.
Barba led the way with 25 points while Guadana scattered 12, but their presence was felt more in the extra period where they accounted for all of the Pirates’ 11 points.
Gyle Montano was also heroic with his 17 points, including a big three-pointer late in regulation that helped force extra time.
The Chiefs, who skidded to their fourth straight loss, bungled 13 of their 23 foul shots, including some in the clutch when they could have put the Pirates away.
The Scores
First Game
Lyceum 90 – Barba 25, Montaño 17, Guadaña 12, Peñafiel 11, Villegas 10, Daileg 8, Cunanan 3, Pallingayan 2, Aviles 2, Moralejo 0, Cunanay 0, Colian 0, Panelo 0, Gordon 0.
Arellano 86 – Vinoya 22, Valencia 18, Ongotan 13, Miller 11, Geronimo 10, Libang 4, Borromeo 2, Camay 2, Hernal 2, Capulong 1, Estacio 1, Acop 0, Abiera 0, Espiritu 0.
Quarters: 27-19, 45-44, 57-63, 79-79 (reg.), 90-86 (OT).
Second Game
Mapua 77 – Hubilla 18, Cuenco 13, Mangubat 13, Escamis 12, Recto 8, Bancale 7, Jabonete 4, Concepcion 2, Igliane 0, Agemenyi 0, Ryan 0, Pantaleon 0.
Letran 62 – Estrada 19, Javillonar 11, Montecillo 9, Cuajao 7, Monje 4, Dimaano 3, Go 3, Jumao-As 3, Delfino 2, Miller 1, Nunag 0, Pradella 0, Tagotongan 0, Santos 0, Balilinng 0.
Quarters: 14-8, 38-28, 55-40, 77-62.
– Rappler.com
