While he understands that he has big shoes to fill, Congolese reinforcement Boko Mupungu is content with blazing a path all on his own and is starting to do just that as he notched a monstrous double-double of 22 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras past the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 73-60, in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup yesterday at the Arena in San Juan.
With Landry Sanjo gone from the Cobras’ equation, Mupungu is steadily stepping away from the former’s shadows and he showed that by leading the Cobras to the wire-to-wire finish and their first victory in three games in this preseason tournament.
The 6-foot-8 forward who had two blocks, also helped anchor a ferocious defense that held the Maroons to a mere 20 points in the first half.
After a 13-9 lead in the first period, the Cobras kept the pressure up and outscored the Maroons, 20-11, in the second to establish a 32-20 halftime lead. From there, SWU went on cruise control before breaking out of its two-game slump.
Newly acquired wingman Jan Auditor is proving to be quite the find as he pitched in 16 points and seven boards while two-time Cesafi MVP Mark Jayven Tallo showcased his all-around skills by piling up 10 points, six boards and three dimes.
The Cobras try to equalize their win-loss record tomorrow evening when they battle the University of the East Red Warriors.
Gelo Vito had 13 points while Cebuano Paul Desiderio, a former Cesafi juniors MVP, chipped in 12 markers for the Maroons, who lost for the sixth time in seven matches.
BOX SCORES:
SWU (73) — Mupungu 22, Auditor 16, Tallo 10, Goloran 6, Parker 4, Holper 4, Bregondo 3, Acuno 3, Habagat 3, Luz 2, Pardo 0.
UP (60) — Vito 13, Desiderio 12, Dario 11, Lim 11, Jaboneta 5, Webb 3, Longa 3, Prado 2, Gallarza 0, Romero 0, Tekoudjou 0.
Quarterscores: 13-9; 32-20; 52-40; 73-60.
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