Amid a referee mauling probe, Mapua bounces back against EAC after an opening-day loss, while San Sebastian escapes Lyceum to grab a share of the early NCAA lead
MANILA, Philippines – The Mapua Cardinals kept their focus on court, picking up their first win after disposing of the EAC Generals, 69-66, in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, September 11.
Rookie Lawrence Mangubat knocked in five triples for a team-best 15 points as the Cardinals not only rebounded from an opening-day loss against the St. Benilde Blazers, but also managed to put aside an off-court controversy.
The victory came a day after the NCAA confirmed it’s conducting further investigation following a post-game assault on a referee, with the instigator coming from the Mapua camp.
“Of course, credit to the players who didn’t give up… we’re proud [that we managed to keep pace] because we have 10 rookies,” said Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara.
Mapua tied EAC at 1-1 behind early leaders St. Benilde and San Sebastian, both tied at 2-0.
San Sebastian pulled off a 95-93 stunner over Lyceum, 95-93, as the Stags closed it out with a furious 12-0 rally to steal the match, rising after trailing by 10 points with just over a minute left.
Rafael Are led the Stags anew with 23 points, 12 coming from the three-point range, and 13 assists.
The outburst came just days after Are also unloaded 30 points in their opening game against Letran.
Brothers Ralph and Reggz Gabat presided over the pivotal Stags run, combining for 8 points, including Ralph’s game-winning three-point play.
Raymart Escobido added 23 points and Tristan Felebrico chipped in 14 points for the Cardinals.
Lyceum remained winless in two outings.
The Scores
First Game
San Sebastian 95 – Are 25, Escobido 23, Felebrico 14, Velasco 12, Re. Gabat 6, Ra. Gabat 6, Aguilar 3, Suico 2, Ricio 2, Lintol 2, Pascual 0, Barroga 0, Maliwat 0.
Lyceum 93 – Barba 25, Bravo 13, Guadana 12, Moralejo 10, Cunanan 8, Montano 7, Daileg 6, Villegas 6, Panelo 5, Gordon 1, Penafiel 0, Aviles 0, Paulo 0.
Quarters: 30-30, 50-50, 74-68, 95-93.
Second Game
Mapua 69 – Mangubat 15, Recto 12, Escamis 10, Hubilla 9, Cuenco 6, Igliane 6, Jabonete 6, Bancale 4, Ryan 1, Agemenyi 0, Concepcion 0, Fermin 0.
EAC 66 – Pagsanhan 14, Gurtiza 11, Oftana 8, Loristo 6, Bagay 6, Lucero 5, Bacud 4, Doromal 4, Quinal 4, Ochavo 2, Manacho 1, Devera 1, Umpad 0, Luciano 0, Angeles 0.
Quarters: 24-13, 39-27, 56-48, 69-66.
– Rappler.com
