Mapua University survived a tough challenge from Lyceum of the Philippines University, 78-73, on Friday in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The Cardinals bounced back from a loss to De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to improve to 5-5, while the Pirates slipped to 2-8.
With the Pirates leading 70-67 with 2:38 left, Yam Concepcion scored to cut the deficit before JC Recto drilled a triple to give Mapua the lead, 72-70. Concepcion then made another basket to stretch the margin to 74-70 with less than a minute remaining.
Jonthan Daileg momentarily stopped the bleeding for the Pirates, sinking his first free throw off a Clint Escamis foul, before a Cyril Gonzales basket widened the gap for Mapua.
Joshua Moralejo gave the Pirates a glimmer of hope with less than 30 seconds left, but a turnover by Concepcion returned possession to Lyceum. However, Lyon Pallingayan’s foul sent Gonzales to the line, where he calmly sank both free throws to seal the victory for the Cardinals.
According to Recto, defense was key in their second-half run, especially after their slow starts in previous games.
"'Yung last few games namin, puro slow start kami. Ayan, parang hindi pa rin namin na i-improve 'yung first half namin kasi lagi kami slow start. Matatambakan kami. So 'yun, sinabi lang ng coaches sa second half kanina na kailangan namin tumrabaho sa depensa kasi ayan 'yung strength namin. So pag hindi kami dumepensa tatambakan talaga kami ng ibang team," Recto said.
Concepcion finished with 15 points, while Recto tallied a double-double of 14 points, 12 rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Cyrus Cuenco and Nitura chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Daileg led the Pirates with 18 points, while Renz Villegas added 16.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
