Mapua University survived a second-half rally from defending champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran, escaping with a 77-71 triumph in the NCAA Season 99 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
With the victory, Mapua is now just half a game behind Lyceum of the Philippines University for the top spot in the standings, improving to a 5-1 record.
The Cardinals have the opportunity to overtake the Pirates in the upcoming match between the two teams on Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
Clint Escamis once again stood out for the Cardinals, contributing 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and eight steals.
Paolo Hernandez, known for his scoring prowess, struggled to find his shot, only managing four points on a 2-of-10 shooting performance.
In his place, Marc Cuenco stepped up with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Warren Bonifacio added 11 points.
Mapua’s coach Randy Alcantara emphasized the importance of not underestimating the struggling Knights before the game started, despite their winless record.
“Sabi ko before the game, huwag kayo tumingin sa standings. Zero wins man sila, but experience-wise lamang sila. Defending champions pa rin,” said Alcantara on the win.
Mapua led by as much as 15 points in the third quarter, reaching a score of 53-38 after a Jopet Soriano layup. However, the Knights slowly chipped away at the lead.
In the third quarter, Letran outscored Mapua 20-7, entering the final frame with just a one-point advantage, 56-55.
Escamis took charge in the final quarter, dashing Letran’s hopes of a comeback with 10 points, three assists, and two steals in the fourth quarter alone.
The former UE Red Warrior kickstarted a 20-7 run for Mapua in the fourth quarter with an interception and a fastbreak layup, giving the team a 14-point lead with two minutes left in the game.
Although Letran managed to reduce the deficit to single digits, it was too little too late as Mapua secured a 77-71 victory.
Letran’s struggles continued as they suffered their seventh consecutive loss, leaving them with an 0-6 record. This marks the first time in NCAA history that a championship team has started 0-6 in their title defense season.
For Letran, Cuajao had a strong performance, scoring 20 points, including six three-pointers, with 17 points coming in the second half as the Knights pushed for a comeback.
Reyson contributed 16 points, 4 rebounds, six assists, and three steals, while Paolo Javillonar added a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Knights aim to secure their first win of the season against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Sunday at 12:20 p.m.
The Scores:
Mapua 77- Escamis 20, Cuenco 20, Bonifacio 11, Soriano 9, Asuncion 5, Rosillo 4, Hernandez 4, Recto 4, Bancale 0, Dalisay 0, Fornis 0
Letran 71– Cuajao 20, Reyson 16, Santos 14, Javillonar 6, Go 6, Jumao-as 3, Ariar 22, Bojorcelo 0, Monje 0, Garupil 0, Batallier 0, Guarino 0, Fajardo 0
Quarterscores: 24-13; 49-35; 56-55; 77-71
