Defending champion Mapua opened its NCAA Season 101 campaign with a dramatic 90-89 double-overtime victory over Lyceum on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With team captain Clint Escamis fouling out late in regulation, it was JC Recto who carried the Cardinals in crunch time. The veteran forward tallied 16 points and nine rebounds, delivering clutch plays in both overtime periods to lift Mapua past a gritty Lyceum side. ‘I just let my instincts take over,’ said Recto, who was thrust into the spotlight after Escamis exited with only eight points. ‘All I thought about was doing whatever the coaches asked me to do.’
Recto tied the game at 80-all with a three-point play in the first overtime, neutralizing a late Pirates surge. He did it again in the second extra period, converting another and-one to pull Mapua even at 87-all in the final minute.
With the game knotted and time winding down, it was rookie guard Cyrus Cuenco who sealed the win. Fouled by Lyceum’s Lance Aurigue with 12 seconds left, Cuenco calmly hit the second of two free throws to give Mapua the final lead. Cuenco finished with 14 points, while Earl Sapasap and Yam Concepcion chipped in 16 and 13 points, respectively, for the Cardinals, who began their title defense with a statement win.
Mapua, which won the NCAA title last season after ending a decades-long championship drought, showed its depth and resilience despite missing key contributions from Escamis down the stretch.
The loss spoiled a strong effort from Lyceum’s Renz Villegas, who poured in 23 points. Michael Versoza also registered a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, but the Pirates failed to close out the game on multiple opportunities.