Coming off its first loss in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament, defending champion Mapua University bounced back in dominant fashion, routing San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 70-41, to close the Group A eliminations at second place on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Cardinals were reeling from a 65-75 setback to surprise Group A leader Perpetual Altas last Wednesday.
But this time, they made sure to remind everyone why they are still the reigning kings.
Already up 54-43 entering the final frame, Mapua turned up the defensive pressure, suffocating San Sebastian to just six points in the last 10 minutes of play on a dismal 3-of-15 shooting clip.
The Cardinals’ lead ballooned to as much as 21 points late in the game, sealing their most lopsided victory of the season.
Former UST Growling Tiger Ivan Lazarte paced Mapua with 14 points, while rookie Earl Sapasap chipped in 11.
JC Recto came close to a double-double with eight points and seven rebounds. Yam Concepcion and Mark Igliane added seven apiece in the balanced scoring effort.
The Cardinals now set their sights on a crucial showdown with San Beda in five days’ time.
On the other hand, Ian Cuajao — who erupted for 25 points in San Sebastian’s breakthrough 100-94 overtime win over Lyceum last Friday — once again led the Stags with 14 points. Reggz Gabat contributed 10 markers in the loss.
The 29-point rout stands as the biggest winning margin of the season so far.
San Sebastian will look to regroup when it faces Jose Rizal University to open its crossover round campaign.
The Scores:
Mapua 70 – Lazarte 14, Sapasap 11, Recto 8, Concepcion 7, Igliane 7, Nitura 6, Escamis 4, Delos Reyes 4, Cuenco 4, Gulapa 3, Callangan 2, Gonzales 0, Ryan 0, Abdulla 0, Reyes 0.
San Sebastian 49 – Cuajao 14, Gabat 10, Lumanag 7, Ricio 6, Segovia 5, Dela Rama 4, Castor 2, Felebrico 1, Dimaunahan 0, Velasco 0, Nepacena 0, Gomez de Liaño 0.
Quarterscores: 19-17, 38-28, 54-43, 70-49.
