Games today:

(Filoil EcoOil Centre)

11 a.m. — San Beda vs JRU

2:30 p.m. — Lyceum vs San Sebastian

Defending champion Mapua University took down University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 77-61, to strengthen its hold on the second spot in Group A in Season 101 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Team captain Clint Escamis led the way for the Cardinals with 18 points, five assists and two rebounds as they improved to a 6-5 win-loss record.

Head coach Randy Alcantara has nothing but praise for his veteran guard’s versatility on the court as they handed the Altas their second straight loss of the season.

“He is a capable scorer since he is our captain and leader but we also saw he will mark the other team’s scorer and defend,” said Alcantara, who has coached Escamis since high school.

Fresh off a 78-73 win over Lyceum a few days ago, the Cardinals kept their momentum going.

Cyrus Cuenco dropped 13 points for Mapua while Yam Concepcion had 11 points to his name.

Josiah Alcantara was the only player for Perpetual to reach double digits with 10 points as it remains on top of Group A despite sliding down to an 8-3 record.

Earlier, College of Saint Benilde tightened its grip on the second spot of Group A after beating Letran College, 80-74.

Head coach Charles Tiu reminded his boys to calm down after entering the fourth quarter with a 69-66 lead.

“We just told them not to panic. It’s a long game. We’ve been in this situation before,” said Tiu as they played without reigning Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag.