Mapua edges Lyceum in play-in preview
Mapua wrapped up its NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball elimination-round campaign with a 71-68 victory over Lyceum on Monday at Philsports Arena, gaining a confidence boost ahead of its play-in showdown against the same opponent.
The Cardinals finished the eliminations with a 7-6 record and will face the Pirates again on Thursday, this time holding a twice-to-beat advantage.
Lyceum, meanwhile, settled for fifth place in Group A with a 4-9 record.
“This win gives us momentum because we need that confidence heading into the play-in games,” said Kyle Timbol, who stepped up for Mapua in the absence of Ivan Lazarte, Cyrus Cuenco and Marcus Nitura.
“This is a valuable experience for us, especially if we can carry it over into the next game.”
Mapua held a slim 66-65 lead late in the fourth quarter before Timbol buried a three-pointer to stretch the Cardinals’ advantage to 69-65 with 3:32 remaining.
Several opportunities
Carl Nocum answered with a triple for Lyceum, but Edward Ryan knocked down a jumper to restore Mapua’s three-point cushion, 71-68, with 2:46 left.
The Pirates had several opportunities to close the gap down the stretch but failed to capitalize.
Timbol, who finished with 20 points and three rebounds, had a chance to seal the victory at the free-throw line with less than five seconds remaining.
He missed both attempts, but Lyceum’s Jasper Matienzo lost control of the ball on the ensuing possession, denying the Pirates a final opportunity to force overtime.
Jamal Diaz added 13 points for Mapua, while Russell Liwanag recorded a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Khen Caduyac led Lyceum with 17 points, while Nocum chipped in 14 in the losing effort.
