Mapua hands Arellano first NCAA setback

Mapua University snapped Arellano University’s four-game winning streak with a 69-55 victory in Season 102 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Cardinals, who opened their Group A campaign with three straight losses, won their second consecutive game to improve to 2-3 win-loss record while handing the Chiefs their first setback after four games.

Mapua found itself locked in a 37-all deadlock with Arellano at halftime before turning the game around in the third quarter.

The Cardinals clamped down on defense, limiting the Chiefs to just seven points in the penultimate period to take a 53-44 lead heading into the final frame.

Yam Concepcion led Mapua with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Ian Lazarte added 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field.

“He’s my leader on the court and our anchor on defense,” Mapua coach Chito Victolero said of Concepcion.

“(In the) last two games, he struggled, but I reminded him about staying calm.”

Arellano drew 13 points from Renzo Abiera, while Yuan Camay added 10.

T-Mc Ongotan, who has been the Chiefs’ main offensive weapon, was held to just seven points.