By: George Torno
Defending champion Mapua University kicked off its NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball campaign with a banger, edging Lyceum of the Philippines University, 90-89, in double overtime on Wednesday, October 1, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Cyrus Cuenco, showing nerves of steel, split his free throws with 6.8 seconds left to give the Cardinals the lead.
On the next possession, Lyon Pallingayan went for the win with a contested shot that missed, allowing Mapua to secure its first victory in Group A.
It was a back-and-forth affair from start to finish, with both squads trading baskets and keeping the score razor-close.
“Alam namin kami na ready kami sa game na’to na hindi magiging madali. Yun ang palagi naming sinasabi sa mga players namin, na even the coaches naniniwala na kahit sino ang kalaban mo diyan, hindi magiging madali,” said Mapua assistant coach JR Carlos, who filled in for Randy Alcantara in the post-game.
Recto led Mapua with 16 points, nine rebounds, and five steals. Meanwhile, Earl Sapsap contributed 14 points and four rebounds, hitting timely shots that helped seal the Cardinals win.
Cyril Gonzales marked his NCAA return with 11 points and five steals.
Yam Concepcion added a double-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists to round out the supporting cast.
Renz Villegas spearheaded Lyceum’s fightback, delivering clutch plays that extended the game.
He finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and four assists, doing everything he could to keep the Pirates alive. However, Mapua’s composure in the closing moments ultimately secured the win.
The Pirates trailed 34-44 at halftime and 55-63 entering the fourth quarter. LPU mounted a furious rally, turning defense into offense and capitalizing on Mapua’s turnovers to erase the deficit and force overtime at 74-all.
The duel only grew tighter in the extra frames, with the score tied again at 80-all after the first overtime.
“Ine-expect namin na magiging tough yung game. Ready ang Lyceum at champion kami so lahat ng team gusto kaming talunin. So ayun, ni-ready namin ang sarili namin na lahat ng games ay magiging tough,” Recto said.
John Versoza also made his presence felt for Lyceum with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jonathan Daileg added 14 points and eight rebounds to keep the Pirates in contention.
The Cardinals now turn their sights to the Perpetual Altas on October 8, while the Pirates aim to regroup when they face the same team on Sunday.
The Scores:
Mapua 90 – Recto 16, Sapasap 16, Cuenco 14, Concepcion 13, Gonzales 11, Escamis 8, Igliane 8, Ryan 2, Gulapa 2, Nitura 0, Lazarte 0, Delos Reyes 0, Reyes 0, Abdulla 0
Lyceum 89 – Villegas 23, Versoza 14, Daileg 13, Barba 8, Pallingayan 7, Gordon 5, Aurige 5, Aviles 5, Matienzo 4, Moralejo 3, Montaño 2, Peñafiel 0
Quarterscores: 19-21, 34-44, 63-55, 74-74, 80-80, 90-89.
