Allwell Oraeme Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Mapua kept its perfect slate after fending off persistent Lyceum, 75-64, in the NCAA Season 92 Men’s Basketball Tournament Tuesday at San Juan Arena.
The Cardinals improved to 3-0 for their best start in history as they also grabbed a solo lead.
San Beda has a chance to share that spot if it beats Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Cardinals head coach Atoy Co was relieved his team hung on for the victory despite seeing their 18-point 58-40 lead down to six, 58-52, early in the fourth quarter.
Thankfully for Co, his team’s defense was able to hold off the Pirates.
“We are lagging in defense so they were able to drive,” said Co. “Thankfully we were able to recover and it all came down to defense.”
After letting Lyceum score 20 points in the lane in the first two minutes, the Cardinals made it a different story in the second half, limiting the Pirates to only 12.
With their shooters missing more shots than making them, the Cardinals had to rely more on their inside presence as they scored 44 of its total 75 in the lane.
Defending MVP Allwell Oraeme had his third straight double-double with 22 points and 25 rebounds.
Carlos Isit and Exeqiel Biteng also finished with double-figures in scoring with 16 and 15 points, respectively.
Mike Nzeusseu had his own double-double with 16 points and 19 boards for the the Pirates, who dropped to 0-3.