NCAA: Mapua rallies to stun San Sebastian in double OT

MANILA, Philippines — Mapua climbed back from a 20-point hole to shock San Sebastian, 104-99, in double overtime Monday in the NCAA Season 89 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Forward Joseph Eriobu starred with a career-best 30 points, including a putback with 13.9 ticks left that forced the second overtime and two free throws with 6.7 seconds remaining to seal the Cardinals’ first win in two games.

“Ginagawa ko lang talaga kung ano yung pinapagawa ni coach Atoy (Co),” said the former National University Bulldog Eriobu, who also grabbed 11 rebounds.

“We always start slow. I always remind them that for us to win, we need to run,” said Mapua coach Atoy Co on his team’s poor start for the second straight time.

“I’m so happy. Double overtime wow,” added Co, a two-time league MVP in the early 70s.

The Cardinals also got a big game from their graduating skipper Kenneth Ighalo, who collected 21 points and 16 rebounds to offset his eight turnovers.

It’s actually the second consecutive time where Mapua came back from 20 points down. The Cardinals though, fell short in their first game against Jose Rizal University.

“Ngayon kasi na-experience na namin kung paano humabol. This time sinabi ko sa teammates ko huwag na huwag muna magre-relax. I-push lang natin hanggang matapos yung game,” said Ighalo.

Veteran guard Jovit dela Cruz and rookie CJ Perez paced the Stags with 24 points each. Perez though, fouled out with 1:18 left.

Big men Mark Braña and Jessie Saitanan added 15 more for the Cardinals. Braña scored eight of his team’s 16 points in the second OT.