Four Consecutive Wins Revive Cardinals’ Season 102 Campaign
Mapúa survived a 15-point collapse and defeated Letran, 69-67, in overtime for its fourth consecutive NCAA Season 102 victory. The Cardinals improved to 4-3 after opening with three losses, extending their unbeaten run during the tournament’s crossover round.
Mapúa Survives Letran Comeback in Overtime
Luis Licas chronicled Mapúa’s narrow escape after the Cardinals surrendered a commanding second-half advantage against their Intramuros rivals. Head coach Chito Victolero credited Letran’s persistence while praising the composure displayed by his young Mapúa lineup.
“We led by 15, but they kept on coming back; that’s the spirit of Letran. But I’d like to give credit to the composure of the whole team, these rookies,” Victolero said.
Mapúa’s fourth consecutive victory completed a sharp early-season turnaround after the Cardinals opened their campaign with three straight defeats. Victolero remained focused on correcting mistakes despite watching his team climb above .500 through its first seven games.
“Very happy, but ‘di pa dito natatapos ang lahat. We’re trying siguro na pag-aralan ‘yung mga mali namin,” he added.
Image from: Philippine Star
Cardinals Turn 0-3 Start Into Four-Game Streak
Four consecutive victories lifted Mapúa to 4-3 after the Cardinals opened NCAA Season 102 with three straight defeats. The Cardinals also remained unbeaten during crossover competition after extending their recovery with another overtime victory against Letran.
Letran Erases Mapúa’s 15-Point Advantage
Letran played without star playmaker Titing Manalili but recovered after trailing Mapúa by 15 points during the third quarter. The Knights launched a 15-0 run beginning late in the third period as Mapúa’s offense suddenly stopped producing points.
Justin Cargo completed the comeback with a fastbreak layup, giving Letran a 59-58 advantage with 3:25 remaining in regulation. Ivan Lazarte later converted an and-one opportunity, tying the game at 61 with only 50 seconds remaining.
Cargo Gives Knights Their First Lead
Kevin Santos blocked Lance Nitura’s potential go-ahead jumper before Letran failed to convert its final possession of regulation. Cargo finished with 10 points and eight assists, while Chad Gammad scored 18 points and collected four steals.
Nitura Brothers Deliver During Overtime
Lance and Marcus Nitura became Mapúa’s primary overtime scorers after the Battle of Intramuros required an additional period. The brothers combined for seven overtime points, helping the Cardinals establish a 68-64 advantage during the decisive extra frame.
Justine Hugo kept Letran within striking distance, cutting Mapúa’s advantage to 69-67 with 32 seconds remaining in overtime. The Knights received another opportunity to equalize but missed their potential game-tying jumper before the final buzzer sounded.
Second Straight Overtime Win Extends Mapúa Run
Mapúa’s victory followed an 89-84 overtime win against Emilio Aguinaldo College on October 6 during the same winning streak. Victolero described those demanding finishes as opportunities for his younger players to develop confidence and maturity through competitive situations.
“It’s character-building for us. I think ‘yung mga ganitong laro, it’s a big morale-booster for everyone and ‘yung maturity ng team ko,” Victolero added.
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Five Cardinals Score 11 Points Against Letran
Mapúa received remarkably balanced scoring as five different Cardinals finished the overtime victory with exactly 11 points apiece. Yam Concepcion, Lance Nitura, Jamal Diaz, Marc Cuenco, and Lazarte each reached that total against the Knights.
Concepcion also collected 11 rebounds to complete a double-double before eventually fouling out of the Battle of Intramuros matchup. Marcus Nitura contributed six points, including important overtime production alongside his brother during Mapúa’s fourth consecutive victory.
Concepcion Adds 11 Rebounds Before Fouling Out
Concepcion paired his 11 points with 11 rebounds, giving Mapúa its only double-double during the two-point overtime victory. Letran received 13 points and three steals from Jimboy Estrada, complementing Gammad’s game-high 18-point performance.
Mapúa Carries Four-Game Streak Into Perpetual Game
Mapúa was scheduled to face University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on October 16 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. The Cardinals entered that matchup carrying four consecutive victories after recovering from their winless three-game start to Season 102.
Letran remained at 4-3 following the overtime defeat, leaving the Knights level with Arellano in Group B. The Knights were scheduled to face José Rizal University next as their NCAA Season 102 campaign continued.
Crossover Success Follows Difficult Season 102 Start
Mapúa entered its Perpetual assignment unbeaten during crossover competition after defeating Letran for its fourth consecutive NCAA Season 102 victory. Consecutive overtime wins against EAC and Letran accounted for the Cardinals’ two most recent victories during that four-game streak.
Analytical Breakdown: The Cardinals Need Cleaner Finishes
Mapúa’s balanced scoring provided valuable stability, but surrendering a 15-point advantage exposed problems with possession control and defensive execution. Consecutive overtime victories can strengthen confidence, although repeatedly needing late escapes could become costly against stronger closing teams. The Nitura brothers delivered under pressure, showing Mapúa has multiple players capable of accepting offensive responsibility during decisive possessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Mapúa versus Letran in NCAA Season 102?
Mapúa defeated Letran, 69-67, in overtime to secure its fourth consecutive victory during the NCAA Season 102 campaign.
What is Mapúa’s NCAA Season 102 record?
The Cardinals improved to 4-3 after recovering from an 0-3 start with four consecutive victories during Season 102.
Who led Mapúa against Letran?
Five Cardinals scored 11 points apiece, while Yam Concepcion also grabbed 11 rebounds to complete a double-double.
Who was Letran’s leading scorer?
Chad Gammad led all scorers with 18 points while adding four steals during Letran’s two-point overtime defeat.
Who was Mapúa scheduled to play next?
Mapúa was scheduled to face Perpetual at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on October 16 following its Letran victory.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from SPIN.ph.
