Reigning NCAA kings Mapúa Cardinals survive a gut-wrenching slugfest with the ever-dangerous LPU Pirates, eking out a 90-89 win after two extensions on opening day of the NCAA Season 101 on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

JC Recto took home the Best Player of the Game honors, scattering 16 points, nine boards, three dimes, and five steals as he emerged as Mapúa’s primary anchor after star player Clint Escamis got fouled out early in the first overtime period. 

Trailing by 11 at the half, 44-34, the Season 101 hosts came back firing on all cylinders for a 29-11 explosion in the third frame, only to be met with a 19-11 counter-offensive from LPU in the fourth that ultimately led to a 74-all deadlock after regulation.

Recto played his heroics during the extra periods, scoring three points in the first OT and adding seven in the game-concluding second OT.

Earl Sapasap also made an impression in his Cardinals, dropping 16 points and four rebounds, while Marc Cuenco, Yam Concepcion, and Cyril Gonzales chipped in 14, 13, and 11 markers respectively. 

The hard-fought win makes for an early litmus test in the Cardinals’ back-to-back campaign, and, on the flip side, proves yet again the Pirates’ caliber as a tough Final Four contender.  

Renz Villegas steered the ships of Coach Gilbert Malabanan with a 23-4-4 statline while sinking 11 of his 13 freethrows, while athletic forward JM Versoza impressed with a double-double 14 points and 12 rebounds in the losing cause. 

Lanky shooter Jonathan Daileg also had a sizable contribution for LPU, scoring 13 points and grabbing eight boards laced with two triples.