MANILA – Lawrence Mangubat converted a go-ahead three-pointer as Mapua University Cardinals escaped with a 69-68 victory over the Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Down 66-68 with under a minute left, the Cardinals rookie guard knocked down a corner three-pointer from a pass by Clint Escamis to surge his squad ahead for good at 69-68.
Mangubat finished the match with 16 points, including four three-point conversions, to go with five rebounds and two assists as the Cardinals notched their fifth straight win for an 11-3 win-loss slate.
“Grabe ‘yung tiwala ko sa batang ‘yun (Mangubat), kaya nung nakita ko siyang open sa corner, hindi ako nag hesitate na ipasa sa kanya ‘yung bola,” Escamis said in a post-game interview.
Rookie Chris Hubilla added 14 markers, while Marc Cuenco and Clint Escamis contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, as the Cardinals bolstered their Final Four bid with the win.
Renz Villegas was the lone double-digit scorer for the Pirates with 22 points to go with four rebounds and two assists as they dropped to a 6-8 win-loss card.
Meanwhile, James Payosing showcased his best game of the season as San Beda University Red Lions defeated Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 83-70.
The NCAA Season 99 Finals MVP finished with a season-high of 18 points to go with six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block as the Red Lions strengthened their hold of third place at 9-5.
Jomel Puno added a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Emman Tagle contributed nine points for San Beda, which were without John Bryan Sajonia due to an injury and John Bismarck Lina due to one-game suspension.
Shawn Argente led the Heavy Bombers with 16 points to go with two rebounds, and three assists, while Joshua Guiab added 13 markers. They dropped to a 4-10 win-loss slate./PN
