Mapua University orchestrated a stunning second-half turnaround to hand Jose Rizal University (JRU) its first loss in the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, escaping with a nail-biting 64-62 triumph on Tuesday.
The Cardinals successfully clawed their way back from a 16-point deficit, capping off the comeback when Yam Concepcion knocked down a game-winning bank shot off a crisp inbound pass from Cyrus Nitura with only 0.5 seconds remaining on the clock.
“At least nagawa namin na maayos, na-execute namin ng maayos yung last play. And this guy wanted the ball on that play,” Mapua coach Chito Victolero said, referring to Concepcion.
Concepcion stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals. MC Cuenco spearheaded the Cardinals’ scoring with 14 points, while Basti Reyes chipped in eight points as Mapua extended its winning streak to three games, boosting its record to 4-1.
JRU was led by Lawrence Mangubat, who dropped 20 points, courtesy of an efficient 9-of-11 shooting from the foul line. Former Cardinal Chris Hubilla added 14 points, six rebounds, and five steals in the losing effort.
Despite the heartbreak, the Heavy Bombers hung onto the top spot of the NCAA Group standings with a 6-1 slate.
Other Tournament Results
- UST vs. Gilas Youth: The University of Santo Tomas (UST) locked in a spot in the quarterfinals by turning back the Gilas Pilipinas Youth squad, 99-90. Collins Akowe anchored the Growling Tigers with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Charles Bucsit drilled a cold-blooded corner triple in the final minute to halt a late-game surge by Gilas.
- EAC vs. San Sebastian: Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) rode a dominant third-quarter wave to overpower San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 95-81. Jacob Shanoda and Jude Bagay spearheaded the attack with 18 points each, keeping San Sebastian winless at 0-6.
- Perpetual vs. LPU: University of Perpetual Help System DALTA held their nerve to edge out Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), 68-64. Balanced double-digit outings from Allen Maglupay and JM Tulabut helped the Altas improve to a 3-4 record.