One Point. One Statement. LPU Steals the Win from Mapúa

The Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates survived a late-game thriller against the Mapúa University Cardinals, escaping with an 88-87 victory on Monday, September 21, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The narrow defeat marked another one-point heartbreak for the Cardinals, who dropped to 0-2 in Group A.

Mapúa held the advantage through the second and third quarters, but LPU found an extra gear in the final frame, led by Lance Aurigue, who erupted for nine points in the fourth quarter to help the Pirates complete the comeback.

Aurigue was named the Best Player of the Game after posting an all-around double-double performance of 21 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.

The Pirates' composure down the stretch reflected their determination to bounce back after a painful loss in their previous outing. “We're very very happy kasi the boys' response is [to] win, kasi last game, masakit din yung talo namin. We wanted it so bad pero, 'di binigay samin,” Asst. Coach Jjay Alejandro stated in the post-game interview.

Beyond their motivation to bounce back, the Pirates also played with Coach Jamike Jarin in mind. The PhilSports Arena holds sentimental value for Jarin, who has experienced numerous victories at the venue. Monday's game also marked the NCAA's first return to the arena since 1999.

“Maraming history kay Coach Jamike itong Phils- ay Ultra na 'to, kaya 'di rin kami papayag na ano... samin makuha yung unang talo, ang hirap naman kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko, sana makuha namin yung unang panalo... para maging masaya si Coach Mike tsaka kami na rin.”

With Aurigue leading the charge and the Pirates keeping their composure in the crucial moments, LPU secured its much-needed first win while adding another memorable chapter to the NCAA's return to PhilSports Arena.

The scores: 

LPU 88 - Aurigue 21, Villegas 17, Rubico 15, Guadana 9, Almario 7, Manuel 6, Penafiel 6, Daileg 3, Ondoa 3, Gordon 1, Matienzo 0, Caduyac 0, Panelo 0, Cardinas 0

MU 87 - Cuenco 15, M. Nitura 14, Lazarte 14, Diaz 13, Igliane 11, Concepcion 10, L. Nitura 8, Razon 2, Reyes 0, Mendoza 0, Liwanag 0

Quarter scores: 25-25, 46-47, 64-70, 88-87

Photo credits: NCAA Media