Mapua eliminates LPU to reach NCAA quarterfinals against Letran
Ivan Lazarte scored 25 points for the Cardinals, who will face a Letran side holding a twice-to-beat advantage.
Mapua University booked a quarterfinal place in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball with an 83-68 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University on November 12 at the Filoil Centre in San Juan. The play-in defeat ended the Pirates’ campaign.
Ivan Lazarte supplied 25 points for Mapua, including 21 before halftime. Russel Liwanag contributed 15, while Cyrus Cuenco scored 13 and Jamal Diaz added 11.
The Cardinals entered the play-in with a twice-to-beat advantage. Their next opponents, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, will hold that advantage in the quarterfinals.
Mapua built a 24-14 lead in the opening quarter and reached halftime ahead 48-33. The Cardinals remained in front through the second half despite attempts by Renz Villegas and Simon Penafiel to bring the Pirates back.
Graduating player Mclaude Guadaña finished with 15 points for LPU. Fellow senior Villegas scored 12, while Matthew Rubico closed his first league season with 11.
In the juniors competition, an 82-77 victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos sent the Arellano Braves into the quarterfinals. The LPU Junior Pirates beat the San Beda Red Cubs 68-67 to force a deciding game.
