Yam Concepcion’s efficient performance powered Mapua University to a 78-73 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Concepcion led the Cardinals with 15 points and four rebounds on an impressive 6-of-8 shooting clip. JC Recto registered a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Cyrus Cuenco provided a spark off the bench with 12 points.
“Slow start pa rin kami, parang hindi pa rin namin ma-improve yung first half at natatambakan kami,” Recto said, recalling how Mapua battled back from a first-half deficit against LPU.
“Sabi ng coaches kanina sa dugout, kailangan namin tumrabaho sa depensa kasi ayun yung strength namin. So pag hindi kami dumepensa, matatambakan kami.”
The Pirates opened strong, with Renz Villegas and Jonathan Daileg combining for 16 points to take a 28-21 lead after the first quarter while shooting an impressive 61.1-percent from the field.
Lyceum stretched the lead to as much as 12, 35-23, with 6:12 remaining in the second period off a Joshua Moralejo layup. However, Mapua clawed back with a 10-2 rally capped by a Concepcion three-point play to briefly take the lead, 41-40, before the half ended.
The Cardinals carried that momentum into the second half, igniting a 13-1 run capped by two Clint Escamis free throws to establish a 54-43 advantage midway through the third quarter.
Mapua entered the final frame up 61-55, but Lyceum came storming back behind Daileg’s six-point outburst in a 10-0 run that pushed the Pirates ahead, 65-61.
Recto, however, nailed a crucial three-pointer to reclaim the lead for the Cardinals at 72-70 with 1:30 left. Cyril Gonzales then drained a midrange jumper to widen the gap to 76-72.
A costly turnover by Mapua gave Lyceum another chance, but the Cardinals held firm on defense, and Gonzales calmly sank two free throws to seal the win.
“Ayun, hindi kami makampante kasi alam namin na hahabol at hahabol talaga ang Lyceum. Dapat hindi kami malingat sa depensa kasi malaking chance na maapektuhan yung offense namin,” Recto said on how the Cardinals maintained their composure down the stretch.
With the victory, Mapua improved to 5-5, creating separation for the second spot in Group A with a one-and-a-half-game lead over the Arellano Chiefs.
The Cardinals will aim to climb above .500 when they face the Chiefs on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, Lyceum failed to follow up its big win over San Beda and dropped to 2-8 in Group A. Daileg led the Pirates with 18 points on three triples, while Villegas added 16 points, three rebounds, and five assists.
The Pirates will look to bounce back against Group A leader Perpetual Altas on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
Mapua 78 – Concepcion 15, Recto 14, Cuenco 12, Nitura 10, Escamis 7, Gonzales 6, Sapasap 5, Lazarte 4, Callangan 3, Reyes 2, Igliane 0, Delos Reyes 0
Lyceum 73 – Daileg 18, Villegas 16, Matienzo 7, Penafiel 7, Moralejo 5, Montano 5, Aviles 4, Barba , Aurigue 3, Pallingayan 2, Versoza 2, Abregana 0, Fuentes 0, Gordon 0
Quarterscores: 21-28, 41-42, 61-55, 78-73
