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KELVIN Dela Peña finally showed why he’s the King Cardinal.

The Fil-Canadian swingman led Mapua’s second half surge en route to a 76-65 triumph against University of Perpetual Help Dalta System in the 84th NCAA seniors basketball competition last July 9, 2008 at the Pasay Astrodome.

Proving he’s worthy to play in the pros, dela Peña, last year’s MVP, led the Cardinals with 16 points along with rebounds and six assists in 31 minutes of action.

“This collegiate league is a good stepping stone to achieve my dreams to play in the PBA,” said dela Peña. “Coach [Leo Isaac] is right. I should prove it first that I already belong there. I just came out aggressive today.”

After a 20-all deadlock in the first quarter, the game remained close with both teams trading baskets until guard Ronald Reyes, who led Perpetual Help with a game-high 22 points, sank a long triple that gave the Altas a slim 36-33 halftime edge.

Dela Peña buckled down to work at the start of the second half, firing a three-pointer that sparked a 7-0 Cardinal run. Forward Neil Pascual also hit a triple that gave Mapua a 40-36 lead with 8:01 to go in the third period.

TJ Guillermo, who had eight points, scored on a lay-up to increase the Mapua lead to 59-51 count with almost a minute left before the payoff period.

Sophomore playmaker Jonathan Banal, who scored 12 points, handed the Cardinals their biggest lead at 62-51 with 8:58 to go in fourth quarter.

The Cardinals then resorted to a zone defense to hold down the Altas’ attempted rally on the way to their third straight victory and a 3-1 record for solo third, while Perpetual Help joined San Sebastian and Jose Rizal University at joint fifth with the same card 1-2 card.

“They said, strike while the iron is hot,” remarked Mapua coach Leo Isaac. “We are very, very hot, so I’m hoping this will give us a good performance in the first round.”

Mapua lost to San Beda, 85-56, on opening day before winning its last three matches.

“It appears that Kelvin is very aggressive,” said Isaac. “Maybe because he’s the reigning MVP and he wanted to prove it. That’s why he played very aggressive. But I told him to just calm down so that his form remains.”

The host school held serve at the foul line, shooting 11-of-15 compared to 4-of-6 by the Altas.

The Cardinals also took advantage of the Altas’ weakness on the boards, 48-26. The Intramuros-based squad also registered 22 assists against its opponents’ 19.

Individual Scores:

Mapua 76 – dela Peña 16, Banal 12, N. Pascual 9, Guillermo 8, Sarangay 6, Mazo 6, Mangahas 5, J. Pascual 5,Cornejo 4, Soriano 3, Acosta 2

Perpetual Help 65 – Reyes 22, Ynion 10, Balboa 9, Salanga 8, Galabin 6, M. Kong 5, J. Kong 3, Dysam 2, Mejos 0, Roño 0

Quarter Scores: 20-20; 33-36; 59-51; 76-65.

Tags: Kelvin-dela-Pena, Mapua-Cardinals, NCAA-Season-84, News, Perpetual-Help-Altas, Petron

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