Mapua University got its revenge on Lyceum of the Philippines University, eking out a 71-68 victory in their final elimination-round assignment to gain momentum heading into their NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball play-in showdown on Monday at the Philsports Arena.
The Cardinals avenged their heartbreaking 88-87 loss to the Pirates in their first-round encounter last September 22, giving them a timely confidence boost ahead of their Thursday rematch.
Both teams, however, opted to keep several key players on the sidelines as they prepared for their upcoming postseason encounter.
Mapua head coach Chito Victolero sat out Marc Cuenco, Cyrus Nitura, and Ivan Lazarte, while Lyceum mentor Jamike Jarin gave Matthew Rubico limited playing time. Renz Villegas and MClaude Guadana, meanwhile, did not see action for the Pirates.
Mapua finished the preliminary round with a 7-6 record, earning a twice-to-beat advantage against Lyceum, which wound up fifth in Group A with a 4-9 slate.
For Kyle Timbol, the victory was crucial in building the team’s confidence before their upcoming postseason battle.
“Sa’min, momentum talaga ‘to kasi kailangan namin ‘yong confidence namin heading to the play-in games,” said Timbol. “Malaking experience ‘to sa’min kung madadala namin to nang maayos.”
The Cardinals had to withstand a late Lyceum push, with the Pirates trimming their deficit to just one, 66-65.
Timbol responded with a clutch triple to restore Mapua’s four-point cushion, 69-65, with 3:32 remaining.
Carl Nocum answered from beyond the arc for Lyceum, but Edward Ryan came through with a jumper to keep the Cardinals ahead, 71-68, with 2:46 left.
Neither side could add to the scoreboard in the closing minutes, although the Pirates had an opportunity to force overtime.
Timbol went to the free-throw line with less than five seconds remaining but missed both attempts. Lyceum, however, failed to capitalize as Jasper Matienzo lost possession of the ball, effectively ending the Pirates’ comeback hopes.
Timbol led Mapua with 20 points and three rebounds, while Jamal Diaz added 13 points. Russell Liwanag chipped in a double-double of 12 points and 10 boards.
Nocum finished with 14 points for Lyceum, but Khen Caduyac paced the Pirates with 17.
The Scores:
Mapua 71 – Timbol 20, Diaz 13, Liwanag 12, Razon 9, Ryan 6, Concepcion 5, Mendoza 4, L. Nitura 2, Igliane 0, Bo 0, Dones 0, Reyes 0, Bernabe 0
Lyceum 68 – Caduyac 17, Nocum 14, Manuel 8, Cardinas 8, Ondoa 6, Penafiel 6, Fuentes 3, Rubico 2, Pallingayan 2, Matienzo 2, Panelo 0, Aurigue 0
Quarterscores: 30-20, 43-37, 57-52, 71-68
