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THE MAPUA Cardinals are back in the Sweet 16 stage of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League after they routed the La Consolacion College, 78-58, in the North Central Luzon Zonals at the latter's gym in Mendiola Manila.
Former Rookie of the Year Allan Mangahas pushed the Cardinals into the round-of-16 as he waxed hot from the field in the first half, where he had 21 of his 23 points.
This marks the fourth time that Mapua has made this stage of the prestigious tournament.
Mangahas buried all of his four three-point attempts in the first quarter for 12 points despite a slim 27-25 advantage, then added nine more in 20-4 run in the first seven minutes of a second period for a 47-29 edge.
The Cardinals are the 15th team to make it to the final stage of the PCCL joining the likes of UAAP powerhouse squads Ateneo, Far Eastern University, University of the East, University of Sto. Tomas and NCAA teams San Sebastian College, San Beda, Letran and Jose Rizal University. CESAFI teams University of the Visayas, University of San Carlos and the University of Cebu have also made it to the Sweet 16, which starts later this month.
With the two zonals in Manila completed, the scene shifts to Naga City, where the final spot in the Sweet 16 is being disputed by four teams headed by UAAP sixth-placer La Salle, NCAA South champion Don Bosco Technical College, UCLAA titlist St Francis of Assisi and host University of Nueva Caceres.
The defending champions Green Archers blasted Don Bosco, 98-44, while St. Francis defeated UNC, 79-42, at the start of the tournament last Thursday. Correspondent Jonas Panerio
