Three Overtime Wins Highlight Mapúa’s Remarkable Winning Streak
Mapúa erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit before defeating Perpetual, 65-60, in another NCAA Season 102 overtime thriller. The Cardinals extended their league-best active winning streak to five games, with three victories coming during overtime contests.
Mapúa Erases Perpetual’s 10-Point Fourth-Quarter Lead
Luisa Morales of One Sports covered Mapúa’s comeback Friday after Perpetual established a 52-42 advantage at FilOil EcoOil Centre. Rey Maglupay’s basket gave the Altas their 10-point cushion with only 5:40 remaining during the fourth quarter.
Mapúa answered with 12 consecutive points before Cyrus Cuenco’s three-pointer moved the Cardinals ahead, 53-52, with 2:11 remaining. Marcus Nitura added a free throw afterward, completing the 12-0 run that overturned Perpetual’s largest fourth-quarter advantage.
Image from: Daily Tribune
Cardinals Answer With Decisive 12-0 Run
Perpetual held a 52-42 advantage before Mapúa scored 12 unanswered points during the final six minutes of regulation. Cuenco’s three-pointer produced a 53-52 lead before Nitura’s free throw completed the Cardinals’ fourth-quarter scoring run.
Perpetual Forces Overtime After Mapúa Comeback
Perpetual responded after surrendering its double-digit advantage, with Mark Gojo Cruz tying the contest at 54-all during regulation. His basket came with 1:15 remaining, giving the Altas another opportunity after Mapúa had completed its 12-0 scoring run.
Mapúa received multiple opportunities to produce a regulation winner during its final possession but failed to convert before time expired. The misses sent the Cardinals into overtime for the third time during their ongoing five-game NCAA Season 102 winning streak.
Gojo Cruz Ties Game With 1:15 Remaining
Gojo Cruz delivered Perpetual’s first points after Mapúa’s 12-0 run, tying the contest at 54 with 1:15 remaining. Mapúa could not convert its final regulation opportunities, sending another Cardinals game into overtime during their current winning streak.
Cyrus Cuenco Scores Nine Points in Overtime
Cuenco scored nine of Mapúa’s 11 overtime points as the Cardinals completed their comeback after entering regulation’s closing minutes behind. His deepest three-pointer extended Mapúa’s advantage to 63-58 with 1:43 remaining, providing separation during the extra five-minute period.
Cuenco finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal during Mapúa’s fifth consecutive NCAA Season 102 victory. Yam Concepcion and Cyrus Nitura contributed 14 points apiece, while Concepcion finished one rebound short of recording a double-double.
Cuenco Finishes With 17 Points and Eight Rebounds
Cuenco’s 17-point performance included nine overtime points as Mapúa outscored Perpetual, 11-6, during the decisive extra five-minute period. Concepcion and Nitura each added 14 points, giving the Cardinals three double-digit scorers during their 65-60 comeback victory.
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Cuenco Balances Finals Week With Basketball
Cuenco entered Friday’s game while completing his academic finals, adding student-athlete responsibilities to Mapua’s ongoing NCAA Season 102 campaign. He credited his teachers and Mapúa’s coaching staff for providing consideration and guidance while he managed both commitments during finals week.
“Nagpapasalamat lang ako sa mga teachers for their consideration, especially kay Coach JB [Banal] na tinutulungan kami sa mga subject and teacher namin. And yun, lagi naman sinasabi sa amin ni Coach Chito [Victolero] na student comes first before athlete,” Cuenco said.
Cuenco also identified time management, communication with teachers, and guidance from Mapúa’s coaches as important throughout the demanding academic period. His comments provided additional context surrounding a performance that ultimately included nine of Mapúa’s 11 points during overtime.
“So yun, time management lang and yun, sa pag-intindi ng mga teacher and sa pag-guide ng mga coaches namin.”
Mapúa Guard Credits Teachers and Coaching Staff
Cuenco thanked his teachers for their consideration while acknowledging Mapúa’s coaches for helping players manage responsibilities beyond collegiate basketball. He specifically cited time management and communication while discussing how he handled academic requirements alongside the Cardinals’ NCAA schedule.
Mapúa Extends Winning Streak to Five Games
Mapúa improved to 5-3 after recording its fifth consecutive victory, including three wins requiring overtime during the Cardinals’ current streak. Perpetual dropped to 2-6 despite LA Casinillo scoring 17 points and Gojo Cruz contributing another 10 during Friday’s defeat.
The Cardinals have one crossover assignment remaining against San Sebastian on October 19 before returning to Group A competition. Perpetual completes its crossover schedule against JRU on October 20 after falling short despite holding a 10-point fourth-quarter advantage.
Cardinals and Altas Complete Crossover Schedule
Mapúa faces San Sebastian on October 19 with the Cardinals pursuing their sixth consecutive victory before completing crossover-round competition. Perpetual returns against JRU on October 20 after dropping to 2-6 following Friday’s overtime defeat against Mapúa.
Analytical Breakdown: The Cardinals Need Stronger Starts
Mapúa’s repeated overtime victories demonstrate growing composure, but consistently needing late recoveries also exposes problems establishing control earlier. Cuenco’s nine overtime points showed dependable shot creation when Mapúa needed someone willing to assume responsibility during decisive possessions. The Cardinals’ next step is building earlier separation so their late-game resilience becomes an advantage rather than a recurring necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Mapúa versus Perpetual NCAA game?
Mapúa defeated Perpetual, 65-60, in overtime after recovering from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit in NCAA Season 102.
How many points did Cyrus Cuenco score?
Cuenco scored 17 points while adding eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal during Mapúa’s comeback victory.
How many points did Cuenco score in overtime?
Cuenco scored nine of Mapúa’s 11 overtime points, including a deep three-pointer that created a five-point advantage.
How long is Mapúa’s winning streak?
Mapúa has won five consecutive games, including three overtime victories, improving its NCAA Season 102 record to 5-3.
Who will Mapúa and Perpetual play next?
Mapúa faces San Sebastian on October 19, while Perpetual meets JRU on October 20 to conclude crossover play.
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