Mapua University secured its spot in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball quarterfinals after dispatching the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), 83-68, at the Filoil Centre in San Juan on Thursday, November 12.
Equipped with a twice-to-beat advantage, the Cardinals asserted control early in the game. Mapua outscored the Pirates 24-14 in the opening period and built a comfortable 48-33 cushion by halftime, fueled by Ivan Lazarte’s stellar first-half performance of 21 points.
Despite second-half efforts from LPU’s Renz Villegas and Simon Penafiel, the Cardinals successfully fended off the comeback attempts to secure the victory.
Lazarte finished with a game-high 25 points to lead Mapua, while Russel Liwanag chipped in 15 points. Cyrus Cuenco added 13 points, and Jamal Diaz contributed 11.
On the losing side, graduating senior Mclaude Guadaña paced the Pirates with 15 points. Villegas finished with 12 points, and Matthew Rubico added 11 points to cap off his debut season in the league.
With the win, Mapua moves on to face the twice-to-beat Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
In other collegiate action, the Arellano Braves booked their ticket to the quarterfinals following an 82-77 victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos. Meanwhile, the LPU Junior Pirates forced a do-or-die match by edging the San Beda Red Cubs, 68-67.
Game Scores
Mapua (83) — Lazarte 25, Liwanag 15, Cuenco 13, Diaz 11, Concepcion 9, Ryan 4, M. Nitura 2, L. Nitura 2, Igliane 2, Timbol 0, Mendoza 0, Dones 0, Razon 0.
LPU (68) — Guadana 15, Villegas 12, Rubico 11, Daileg 8, Penafiel 7, Ondoa 4, Aurigue 3, Manuel 3, Nocum 2, Matienzo 1, Caduyac 1, Pallingayan 1, Cardinas 0, Fuentes 0.
Quarter Scores: 24-14, 48-33, 68-55, 83-68.