Mapua survives EAC in OT

Mapua University weathered Emilio Aguinaldo College's storm in overtime, 89-84, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena on Tuesday.

The Cardinals’ close win over the Generals marked their third straight dub after starting the season with a 0-3 record.

Cyrus Cuenco scored seven of his career-high 28 points in the extra period to keep EAC at bay.

“May tiwala si coach Chito [Victolero] sa’kin, andiyan din ‘yong teammates ko,” said Cuenco, who also grabbed four rebounds and four assists.

“‘Yong gusto lang ni coach Chito ay makinig kami sa game plan. May mga times kasi na nagsasarili kami kaya sabi namin, sundin lang natin ‘yong game plan at makinig tayo kay coach.”

Unlike in regulation where they crumbled late, the Cardinals didn’t give EAC much of a chance in overtime.

Coming out of the gates from a 72-all deadlock at the end of the fourth, Mapua unloaded a 9-0 run capped off by an Ivan Lazarte triple for the 81-72 lead with 2:12 remaining in the game.

EJ Castillo, who finished with 19 points, scored four straight points on his own to keep the Generals alive but Lazarte’s calm trip to the free-throw line kept Mapua comfortably ahead, 83-76, with 1:32 to go.

In the payoff period, Mapua led by five, 71-66, before EAC dug deep for a regulation-ending 6-1 rally capped off by an MJ Raymundo jumper that tied the game ay 72-all with three seconds left.

Cuenco put up a triple for the win at the buzzer but to no avail, sending the game to an extra quarter.

Lazarte had a double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds for Mapua.

Wilmar Oftana had 12 points in the Generals’ fourth loss in six games (2-4) while Jude Bagay also chipped in 11 in the defeat.