NCAA: Mapua extends win streak to five, outlasts Perpetual in OT

Mapua University extended its winning streak to five games after outlasting the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in overtime, 65-60, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

The ALTAs held a 45-39 lead heading into the fourth quarter before the Cardinals caught up in the final moments of regulation.

The Las Piñas crew extended its lead to 10 early in the fourth quarter before Jamal Diaz drilled a triple. Rey Maglupay answered with one from the other side before Diaz connected from downtown again.

Diaz’s triple ignited a 12-0 run for the Cardinals, who took a 54-52 lead with 1:57 remaining before Mark Gojo Cruz tied the game.

However, both teams missed their late attempts, forcing the game into overtime.

Team captain Cuenco then led the Cardinals in the extra period, opening overtime with a triple en route to an eight-point performance in Mapua’s 11-point output in the frame.

With Mapua leading 60-58 with two minutes remaining, Cuenco delivered another triple, followed by an Ivan Lazarte basket that sealed the victory with less than a minute remaining.

Maglupay scored another basket for Perpetual, but it was not enough to salvage the ALTAs’ bid as they missed their final attempts.

Cuenco finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Yam Concepcion and Marcus Nitura had 14 points apiece for the Intramuros-based squad.

LA Casinillo posted 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists for Perpetual, while Mark Gojo Cruz added 10 points for the ALTAs, who absorbed their fifth straight loss.

Mapua now holds a 5-3 record, while Perpetual sits at 2-6.

Scores:

Mapua 65 - Cuenco 17, Concepcion 14, M. Nitura 14, Diaz 12, L. Nitura 2, Lazarte 2, Razon 2, Reyes 2, Igliane 0, Ryan 0, Dones 0, Liwanag 0, Timbol 0, Bernabe 0.

Perpetual 60 - Casinillo 17, Gojo Cruz 10, Maglupay 8, Gelsano 8, Tulabut 6, Duremdes 4, Cristino 3, Borja 2, Orgo 2, Corpuz 0.

Quarters: 11-16, 28-35, 39-45, 54-54, 65-60.

—JKC, GMA News