NCAA: Mapua delivers in clutch to stop Letran in 2OT

MANIA, Philippines–Noah Lugo erupted with a career-high 31 points in double overtime as the Mapua Cardinals scrambled past the Letran Knights, 105-101, on Friday in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament.

Undersized forward Justin Serrano and Cyril Gonzales, however, secured Mapua’s fourth win in 10 games by unloading the decisive plays in the end.

Serrano put one over Letran rebounding ace Ato Ular in the paint while Gonzales scooted past the Knights off a steal, all inside 39 seconds that preserved Lugo’s breakout performance.

The Knights had several opportunities to turn the tide in their favor but muffed shots by Jerrick Balanza and Edson Batiller in extra time sent Letran to its fourth defeat in 11 outings.

MAPUA 105—Lugo 31, Gonzales 18, Victoria 13, Serrano 12, Hernandez 9, Nieles 9, Bonifacio 8, Bunag 5, Salenga 0, Aguirre 0, Jabel 0, Garcia 0, Nocum 0.

LETRAN 101—Yu 23, Ular 19, Balanza 17, Muyang 10, Batiller 10, Mina 7, Sangalang 5, Ambohot 4, Caralipio 4, Javillonar 2, Olivario 0, Balagasay 0, Reyson 0, Guarino 0.

Quarters: 9-18, 34-37, 58-59, 89-all OT, 105-101 2OT