NCAA: Lyceum posts first win, Mapua makes it two in a row

Lyceum’s Mclaude Guadaña in NCAA Season 100.-NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Lyceum broke through in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday.

After two tries, the Pirates registered their first win at the expense of Jose Rizal University, 97-92, at San Juan Arena.

Without JM Bravo, who suffered a spinal injury in the squad’s last outing, Lyceum turned to veteran guard John Barba. Barba exploded for a career-high 28 points that went with five rebounds and three assists.

READ: NCAA: Benilde blazes to 3-0 start, San Beda ends Baste streak

Vincent Cunanan and Mclaude Guadaña also contributed with 20 and 17 points, respectively.

The Heavy Bombers remained winless after three games despite drawing 22 points and six rebounds from Jonathan Medina. Joshua Guiab and Shawn Argente also stepped up for JRU with 20 and 11 points, respectively.

Cardinals go back-to-back

Mapua’s Clint Escamis celebrates during a game against Perpetual Help in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.-NCAA PHOTO

Mapua scored its second straight win after turning back Perpetual Help, 71-65.

The Cardinals got another stellar outing from reigning league Rookie-MVP Clint Escamis.

Escamis fired 28 points on top of two rebounds, two assists and three steals for last season’s losing finalist, which hiked its record to 2-1 after a season-opening loss to College of St. Benilde.

READ: NCAA: Mapua coach urges rookie Chris Hubilla to play smarter

Rising star Mark Gojo Cruz paced the Altas (2-1) with  17 points and seven rebounds while Christian Pagaran and Cedrick Abis added 12 points each in the defeat.

Mapua takes on Season 97 Finals rival Letran, which holds a 1-1 card, on Friday at the same venue.