Ivan Lazarte Explodes for Career-High 25 Points Against Lyceum
Mapúa University advanced to the NCAA Season 102 quarterfinals after defeating Lyceum of the Philippines University, 83-68, Thursday. Ivan Lazarte delivered a career-high 25 points, helping the Cardinals eliminate the Pirates and arrange a showdown against Letran.
Mapúa Eliminates LPU to Reach NCAA Quarterfinals
Mapúa capitalized on its twice-to-beat play-in advantage, eliminating LPU at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. The Cardinals entered as Group A’s fourth seed and needed only one victory to advance into the quarterfinals.
One Sports journalist Luisa Morales reported Mapúa’s convincing postseason victory, which followed another win against LPU earlier that week. The Cardinals previously escaped the Pirates, 71-68, on November 9 before producing a more commanding performance Thursday.
Image from: One Sports / Facebook
Cardinals Establish Early Control Against Pirates
Mapúa opened a 24-14 first-quarter advantage before extending its lead to 48-33 at halftime against the Pirates. The Cardinals eventually led by 19 points, preventing LPU from mounting a sustained comeback during the second half. Ivan Lazarte Scores Career-High 25 Points
Ivan Lazarte delivered his most productive collegiate scoring performance, finishing with 25 points on nine successful field goals. The Mapúa guard missed only one of his 10 attempts while converting all three shots beyond the arc.
Lazarte also contributed five rebounds, two assists, and one steal, giving Mapúa valuable production beyond his scoring output. Despite his impressive numbers, the veteran emphasized following head coach Chito Victolero’s system rather than pursuing individual recognition.
“Hindi ko iniisip na hindi ako hundred percent. Kailangan namin mag buy-in sa sistema ni coach (Chito Victolero) ngayon. ‘Yon ‘yung gusto namin, magbuy-in at manalo,”
Lazarte Delivers Efficient First-Half Scoring
Lazarte scored 21 of his 25 points before halftime, accounting for nearly half of Mapúa’s opening-half production. His perfect three-point shooting provided additional offensive efficiency, although maintaining balanced contributions remains important against stronger quarterfinal opposition.
Liwanag and Cuenco Support Mapúa’s Victory
Russel Liwanag contributed 15 points, while Cyrus Cuenco added 13 and Jamal Diaz finished with 11 points. Their production gave Mapúa four double-digit scorers, helping the Cardinals maintain separation despite LPU’s attempts to respond.
The Pirates received 15 points from graduating guard Mclaude Guadana, who finished his collegiate career following the defeat. Renz Villegas contributed 12 points, while Matthew Rubico recorded 11 points and nine rebounds during LPU’s elimination.
Cardinals Maintain Advantage Through Four Quarters
Mapúa carried a 68-55 advantage into the fourth quarter after establishing control during the opening two periods. LPU reduced the deficit to 11 points, but the Cardinals eventually restored their largest lead during the closing minutes.
Recommended Article: Mapúa Avenges Lyceum Loss, Builds NCAA Play-In Momentum
Letran Holds Twice-to-Beat Quarterfinal Advantage
Mapúa’s postseason advantage reverses against Letran, which finished atop Group B with a 9-4 elimination-round record. The Knights need only one victory to advance, while the Cardinals must defeat their opponents twice to progress.
The quarterfinal matchup is scheduled for November 17 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, continuing the Battle of Intramuros rivalry. Mapúa must win the opening contest to force another game, making its first quarterfinal assignment an immediate elimination challenge.
Letran’s Defensive Strength Presents Another Challenge
Letran finished the group stage with Titing Manalili leading the tournament in assists and steals per game. Kevin Santos also led the league in blocks, presenting Mapúa with another challenge when attacking inside the paint.
Victolero Prepares Mapúa for Elimination Showdown
Victolero’s Cardinals must quickly prepare for a Letran squad carrying the advantage of needing only one quarterfinal victory. Mapúa can build upon its efficient shooting against LPU, but repeating that performance will require disciplined offensive execution.
Lazarte emphasized immediate preparation after the play-in victory, recognizing that another defeat would end Mapúa’s postseason campaign. His message reflected the urgency facing the Cardinals as they pursue a deciding game against the top-seeded Knights.
“No time to relax, no time to celebrate, focus agad kami sa next game namin.”
Cardinals Need Balanced Scoring Against Letran
Mapúa’s four double-digit scorers against LPU demonstrate the offensive balance needed to challenge Letran’s stronger postseason position. Defensive rebounding and limiting turnovers will also matter because additional possessions could prove decisive in an elimination matchup.
Analytical Breakdown: Mapúa Must Establish Early Defensive Pressure
Mapúa’s balanced scoring matters more than Lazarte’s career night because Letran can aggressively adjust coverage toward one primary threat. Facing twice-to-win pressure demands immediate execution, since Mapúa cannot afford extended stretches experimenting with ineffective rotations or defensive coverages. Mapúa must establish defensive pressure early because forcing a deciding game would completely reshape the quarterfinal’s momentum and psychological pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Mapúa-LPU play-in score?
Mapúa defeated LPU, 83-68, in the NCAA Season 102 play-in round to advance into the quarterfinals.
How many points did Ivan Lazarte score?
Ivan Lazarte scored a career-high 25 points, shooting 9-for-10 from the field and 3-for-3 beyond the arc.
Who will Mapúa face in the NCAA quarterfinals?
Mapúa will face Group B top seed Letran, which finished the elimination round with a 9-4 record.
Does Mapúa have a twice-to-beat advantage against Letran?
No, Letran holds the twice-to-beat advantage, meaning Mapúa must win twice to reach the NCAA semifinals.
When will Mapúa play Letran?
Mapúa will face Letran on November 17 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in their NCAA quarterfinal opener.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Tiebreaker Times.
