Cardinals escape Knights in OT for fourth straight win
Games Tuesday
(FilOil Center)
10 a.m. - LPU vs UPHSD (juniors)
12 p.m. - AU vs San Beda (junior)
3 p.m. - LPU vs UPHSD (seniors)
5 p.m. - AU vs San Beda (seniors)
MANILA, Philippines — Mapua survived another overtime thriller, this time outlasting a Titing Manalili-less Letran, 69-67, Monday in extending its streak to four and breathing life to its playoff bid in NCAA Season 102 at the FilOil Center in San Juan City.
Ivan Lazarte came through in the regulation by drilling a 3-point play that forced extra time, where Lance Nitura took charge by scoring five of his 11 points in that decisive period that hiked the Cardinals’ record to 4-3 after starting the season with three losses in row.
“Nagtulungan lang kami,” said Nitura, who is the younger brother of Alas Pilipinas and Adamson star Shaina.
The Cardinals took advantage of the absence of Manalili, the Knights’ inspirational leader who suffered a sprained right knee last Friday, and dominated the first three quarters where they led by as much as 15 points, 53-38.
But the Knights came roaring back and battled their way to snatching the lead, 61-58, late in regulation.
It was short-lived though as Lazarte knotted the count with that three-point swing, and the Cardinals made a key stop late in extending the duel to another five minutes.
Paced by Nitura, Mapua was in control in OT and needed some defensive gems late to preserve the win.
Chad Gammad tried to carry the fight and led Letran with 18 points, but he was nowhere to be found when his team needed him to deliver.
The scores:
First Game
Mapua 69 — Concepcion 11, L. Nitura 11, Diaz 11, Cuenco 11, Lazarte 11, M. Nitura 6, Reyes 3, Igliane 2, Bernabe 2, Dones 1, Mendoza 0, Liwanag 0, Razon 0.
Letran 67 — Gammad 18, Estrada 13, Cargo 10, Montecillo 6, Santos 6, Walker 6, Hugo 4, Buensalida 4, Reyes 0.
Quarterscores: 20-15; 38-30; 53-49; 61-61; 69-67 (OT)
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