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Cardinals defeat home team USC Warriors to rule Cebu City Mayor’s Cup Invitational

Victor Rabat of USC lays it up against two Mapua defenders in the finals game of the Cebu City Mayor’s Invitational Basketball Cup at the University of San Carlos gym. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)

The Mapua Cardinals hoisted the Cebu City Mayors Cup Invitational title as they escaped with a thrilling 83-80 victory over the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors in the finals last night at the USC gym.

Mapua’s star wingman Josan Nimes delivered the goods in crunch time as he hit two pressure packed free throws that put them ahead, 82-80, with 1:38 to go.

But he nearly turned from hero to goat as he missed two free throws and turned the ball over after he slipped on a drive. Fortunately for the Cardinals, USC guard Ian Tagapan lost the ball on a transition attack.

CJ Isit pushed Mapua’s lead to three after splitting his charities with 9.1 ticks left. USC had a shot to tie the game but Victor Rabat’s triple try was short as time expired.

Nimes finished with 21 points and was named as the tournament MVP. Former USC wingman Stephen Que added 17 while Isit pitched in 16.

The Warriors started off hot and sank four triples to lead 27-20 after the first frame. They kept the pressure up and extended their lead to 11, 39-28, off a 10-3 run capped by a Rabat triple.

But the Cardinals relented and uncorked nine unanswered points later in the second with Que punctuating the comeback with a transition triple to put Mapua in front, 49-46, at halftime.

Mapua started to gain some momentum but USC stymied them at every turn to keep the match on even terms.

A put-back by Cardinal import Allwell Oraeme put them ahead by a slim margin, 70-68, heading to the fourth.

In the opening game, Malaysia brought home the third place trophy with an 87-74 come-from-behind victory over the University of Cebu Webmasters.