MANILA — From a winless start to toppling the league’s last unbeaten squad, Mapúa University is rapidly turning its NCAA Season 102 campaign around.
The Cardinals rode a suffocating second-half defense and a double-double from Yam Concepcion to stun previously unbeaten Arellano University, 69-55, on Thursday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City.
Mapúa, which opened the season with three consecutive losses, secured its second straight victory to improve to 2-3 while dealing the Chiefs their first setback after a 4-0 start.
After battling to a 37-all deadlock at halftime, the Cardinals seized control in the third quarter by clamping down defensively and limiting Arellano to only seven points.
Mapúa outscored the Chiefs, 16-7, in the period to establish a 53-44 advantage entering the fourth quarter and never allowed Arellano to mount a serious comeback.
Concepcion powered the Cardinals’ resurgence with 22 points and 11 rebounds while serving as the defensive anchor of coach Chito Victolero’s squad.
“Siya ‘yong leader ko sa court at anchor namin sa depensa,” Victolero said of Concepcion. “[In the] last two games, nahirapan siya, pero I reminded him about calmness.”
Ian Lazarte provided another offensive spark for Mapúa, finishing with 17 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting from the field.
Renzo Abiera paced the Chiefs with 13 points, while Yuan Camay contributed 10.
Mapúa’s defense also neutralized T-Mc Ongotan, one of Arellano’s leading offensive weapons during its unbeaten start, holding him to just seven points.
Meanwhile, College of St. Benilde survived a fierce challenge from University of Perpetual Help to escape with an 81-79 overtime victory and improve to 4-1.
Justine Sanchez delivered when it mattered most for the Blazers, scoring crucial baskets down the stretch on the way to 27 points and seven rebounds.
“Kanina parang bad start kami at nagusap usap kami, lalu na kaming mga seniors, na kailangan namin ma-comeback ‘yon,” she said. “Kailangan mas gustuhin natin kaysa sa kanila.”/PN
