Mapúa Hands Arellano First Loss of Ncaa Season 102 with 69-55 Defensive Masterclass

Mapúa University (MU) put on a defensive clinic to deal Arellano University (AU) its first loss of the NCAA Season 102 Men's Basketball Tournament, pulling away in the second half for a decisive 69-55 victory at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Yam Concepcion set the tone for the Cardinals' stifling defense, putting together a monster double-double of 22 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four steals, and five blocks. Ivan Lazarte added offensive punch with 17 points and seven rebounds.

"He’s my leader on the court at the same time, siya 'yung nag-a-anchor sa amin sa defense," Mapúa head coach Chito Victolero said of Concepcion. "I reminded him about calmness and composure... We want to give credit to the whole team. They are buying in and embracing the defensive mentality of this team."

Arellano came in determined to preserve its unblemished record, keeping pace in a competitive first half. Behind key buckets from Renzo Abiera and Yuan Camay, the Chiefs dropped a 22-point second period to draw even at 37-37 by halftime.

However, the Cardinals turned up the intensity coming out of the break to shatter Arellano's undefeated streak. Mapúa held the Chiefs to a meager seven (7) points in the third quarter while scoring 16 of their own to build a 53-44 cushion entering the final frame, never looking back as they secured the 14-point triumph.

"Talagang 'yun ang pinanghahawakan ko, 'yung depensa ko. Sinasabi lang sa akin ni Coach Chito na kailangan makatulong ako, ma-limit ko lang sila, tapos depensa lang nang depensa," Concepcion shared regarding his rim-protection and defensive impact.

Renzo Abiera topped Arellano in the loss with 13 points, while Yuan Camay finished with 10 points.

Mapúa's physical play completely dictated the game, out-rebounding Arellano 56 to 30 and dominating interior scoring with a 44 to 22 advantage in points in the paint.

"Rebounding was a main focus for us after our previous losses," Victolero added. "We gave time and focus to rebounding and improving our ball movement. It’s a total team effort."

The Scores:

MAPÚA 69 – Concepcion 22, Lazarte 17, Nitura L. 9, Cuenco 7, Igliane 4, Diaz 3, Nitura M. 2, Liwanag 2, Dones 2, Razon 1, Ryan III 0, Reyes 0.

ARELLANO 55 – Abiera 13, Camay 10, Ongotan 7, Cabotaje 7, Flores 6, Hernal 3, Geronimo 3, Vinoya 2, Buenaventura 2, Borromeo 2, Langit 0, Manansala 0, Anama 0.

Quarterscores: 19-15, 37-37 (18-22), 53-44 (16-7), 69-55 (16-11).

Photo Credits: NCAA Philippines Media