San Beda holds off Mapua for 61-57 victory in NCAA playoff chase
A third successive win took the Red Lions to 8-3 in Group A, with Marcelo contributing 16 points.
San Beda University strengthened its NCAA Season 102 playoff prospects by defeating Mapua University 61-57 on October 29, 2026, at San Juan’s Filoil Centre. The Red Lions stretched their winning run to three games, taking their Group A record to 8-3 as Mapua fell to 6-5.
Daniel Marcelo topped San Beda’s scoring with 16 points, alongside three assists, two steals and three rebounds. JC Bonzalida supplied 10 points plus eight rebounds. For Mapua, Yam Concepcion collected 12 rebounds and scored 12 points.
A seven-point half-time deficit did not stop San Beda from taking control after the break. The Red Lions allowed Mapua only six third-quarter points, turning a 30-23 disadvantage into a 45-36 lead.
Mapua threatened a comeback with roughly six minutes remaining. From 50-39 down, the Cardinals scored 11 points to San Beda’s one, helped by three Cyrus Cuenco three-pointers. Marcelo then scored a basket and Dom Sarigumba added free throws, putting San Beda ahead 55-50 with 3:30 left.
Ken Dones narrowed the margin to 59-57 with 12 seconds remaining. After Cuenco committed a foul, RC Calimag made the free throws that completed San Beda’s victory.
