Mapua University launched its title defense bid on a shaky note, just narrowly escaping LPU in double overtime, 90-89, in the NCAA Season 101 on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
JC Recto, who was held scoreless in the first half, came up big when it mattered most, draining clutch baskets in the extra periods as the defending champions survived the Pirates for a 1-0 start in Group A.
The 23-year-old forward poured in 16 points, including in the two extra frames, together with nine rebounds, three assists, and five steals while rookie Earl Sapasap shone with 16 markers, four boards, and one block.
"In-expect naman namin na magiging tough 'yung game kasi alam ko ready rin naman 'yung Lyceum, pinaghandaan nila kami kasi ayun nga, champions kami. Halos lahat ng teams gusto kaming talunin," Recto said.
"Ni-ready lang namin 'yung mga sarili namin na lahat ng games magiging tough."
(We expected the game to be tough because I know Lyceum will be ready, they have been preparing because we're the champions. Almost all the teams will want to beat us... We just readied ourselves, we know all the games will be tough.)
Mapua put a sluggish start behind with Clint Escamis, who sat out most of the first half owing to multiple fouls, bringing the Cardinals to a 72-63 lead in the fourth.
But LPU relied heavily on Renz Villegas in the fightback as the veteran guard scored 10 points as part of a wild 11-0 run that tied things up at 74-all with 26 seconds left in regulation.
Escamis attempted to bury the game-winning shot, but missed a mid-range dagger as they went into first overtime.
Michael Verzosa and Villegas conspired to bring Mapua to an 80-75 lead, before Recto completed a three-point play that knotted it all up at 80-all. Mapua had the chance to seal the victory there, but the returning Cyril Gonzales went wide on a potential game-winner for another OT.
Recto continued firing bullets in the second overtime, knocking down a triple and a layup that saw the two teams at 85-all deadlock.
LPU momentarily regained a lead after a pair of free throws from Lyon Pallingayan, 87-85, before Recto answered with another and-one basket in the final minute.
Verzosa sank a jumper for another stalemate, 89-89, before Cyrus Cuenco won it at the line after splitting his charities that gave them a slim one-point lead en route to the victory.
Cuenco chipped in 14 points while Yam Concepcion chimed in with 13 markers as Escamis tallied eight markers, four rebounds, and two assists.
Watch the game here:
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
