MANILA — Mapua University leaned on championship poise in the final minute of overtime, turning a tight contest into a 77-72 escape against the struggling but resilient San Sebastian College–Recoletos Golden Stags in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Playtime FilOil Center in San Juan.
The Cardinals, determined to keep their title defense intact, found themselves on the brink after Jose Lumanag forced overtime by tying the game at 72-all. But in the extra period, veteran guard Yam Concepcion delivered the defining blow — a cold-blooded three-pointer with 24 seconds left that broke the deadlock and restored control for Mapua at 75-72.
San Sebastian had chances to retaliate, but Lumanag and Karl Nepacena both misfired on crucial possessions, allowing Mapua to ice the win through two pressure-packed free throws from Mark Cuenco.
Cuenco finished with 15 points, while Clint Escamis added 14, and rookie Earl Sapasap contributed 11 as the Cardinals stretched their win streak to three and improved to 7-5.
“Talagang pinagdadasal lang talaga namin bawat every game. Maging ready lang kami. Tapos, yun, depensahan namin yung korona na ‘to. Yun talaga yung number one purpose namin,” said Concepcion, whose dagger triple proved to be the game-changer.
Lumanag led the Golden Stags with a game-high 16 points, followed by Jhuniel Dela Rama with 14 and Ralph Gabat with 11, but San Sebastian fell to 3-10.
In the other game, the College of Saint Benilde Blazers tightened their grip on a quarterfinal incentive slot after a breakout performance from Shawn Umali, who exploded for 28 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks to tow CSB to a 76-66 victory over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers.
The win lifted the Blazers to 8-4, staying within striking distance of Group B leader San Beda and keeping them ahead of Letran in the crowded race for positioning. JRU slipped to 6-7, with Shawn Argente scoring 14 as the Bombers’ lone double-digit scorer./PN
