San juan city: Mapua University beat San Sebastian College-Recoletos in overtime, 77-72, to secure its third straight win in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City on Tuesday. Marc Cyrus Cuenco finished with 15 points, five rebounds, and three steals as the Cardinals improved to 7-5, trailing behind the University of Perpetual Help (8-4) in Group A.
According to Philippines News Agency, Clint Escarmis, who contributed 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists, expressed confidence in the team’s current form. “I feel like this is the right time to peak, we’re finding our rhythm, and the team is getting excited. It’s fun, but we’re still not satisfied,” Escarmis stated. “We still want to go back-to-back. That’s our main goal. We’ll celebrate now and go back to work tomorrow and prepare for Arellano University.”
Earl Sapasap added 11 points and five assists, while Yam Concepcion provided eight points, eight rebounds, and two blocks for Mapua, which posted its biggest lead at 49-30. San Sebastian, which concluded the elimination round with a 3-10 record, will face either Arellano (5-6) or Lyceum University of the Philippines (3-8) in a knockout play-in game for the No. 4 seed to determine which squad will advance to the crossover quarterfinals.
Jose Lumawag led the Golden Stags with 16 points, four assists, and two steals. Jhuniel Dela Rama contributed 14 points and seven rebounds, while Ralph Gubat added 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
