Mapúa Escapes JRU, 64-62, on Concepcion's Late Game-Winner

The much-anticipated showdown between Mapúa and JRU came down to the final possession, where former Heavy Bomber Yam Concepcion delivered the winning shot.

Concepcion buried the game-winning jumper with just 0.5 seconds remaining, lifting the Mapúa Cardinals to a thrilling 64-62 victory over JRU in the 2026 FilOil Pre-Season Cup and handing the Heavy Bombers their first defeat of the tournament.

Facing his former teammates, Concepcion embraced the challenge and turned in an all-around performance, finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, capped by the biggest basket of the game.

The matchup had an added layer of familiarity for Concepcion as he faced several of his former teammates.

"Compete lang tayo. Kailangan natin magbigay ng statement," he said after the game. "Nakakagana talaga, pride to pride talaga ang labanan."

With the game hanging in the balance, Mapúa head coach Chito Victolero trusted his forward to deliver. As it turned out, the confidence went both ways.

"Thank you din kasi nagtiwala sa'kin si Coach na ibigay sa'kin 'yung last play," Concepcion shared.

Victolero later revealed that it was actually Concepcion who asked for the opportunity.

"Hiningi ni Yam 'yung last play, buti na lang shumoot," the veteran coach said with a smile.

Despite snapping JRU's unbeaten run, Victolero kept the result in perspective, stressing that the preseason is more about growth than the standings.

"Preseason is really about improving. It's a big win, but not a big issue. We just want to keep improving every game."

The Mapúa mentor added that while the victory provides a significant confidence boost for his young squad, there is still plenty of work to be done before the games that truly matter.

The victory offered another glimpse of Mapúa's growing composure, but for Victolero, the team's development remains the true measure of success this preseason.