Cardinals survive Knights, stretches streak to 4

Mapua University escaped Letran College, 69-67, in overtime on Monday to extend its winning streak to four games in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Cardinals improved to 4-3 in Group A, with head coach Chito Victolero crediting the team’s experience in close games for helping them pull through.

“It was a grind-it-out and close game until the end, but we’re thankful we had the breaks of the game,” Victolero said.

“All the sacrifices and tough losses made us learn a lot. There was a reason why we lost in situations where we would lose games that we should have won.”

Lance Nitura delivered a triple in overtime to put Mapua ahead, 68-64, with 2:09 remaining. Letran’s Justine Hugo had a chance to force a second overtime in the dying seconds but missed his jumper.

Yam Concepcion led the Cardinals with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Nitura, Cyrus Cuenco, Jamal Diaz and Lazarte also finished with 11 points apiece.

Chad Gammad paced Letran with 18 points, while Jimboy Estrada added 13 as the Knights dropped to 4-3 in Group B.

Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta looks to snap a three-game losing streak when it faces Lyceum of the Philippines University on Tuesday.

Tip-off is set for 3 p.m., with the Altas hoping to get back on track at the expense of the Pirates.

Perpetual is coming off a 63-71 loss to defending champion San Beda University last Saturday.

JM Tulabut is expected to build on his 14-point performance against the Red Lions, while Mark Gojo Cruz will look to bounce back after being held to eight points.