NCAA: Mapua replaces Lyceum at No. 1; Jacob Cortez shines anew for San Beda

Clint Escamis gestures after Mapua’s win over Lyceum.-NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The landscape of the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament underwent a change on Saturday as Mapua moved atop the ladder after clipping erstwhile league leader, Lyceum, 87-83, at San Juan Arena.

The Cardinals, who hiked their win streak to four, grabbed the top spot with a 6-1 card but coach Randy Alcantara said it wasn’t easy toppling the Pirates, who slid to 6-2.

“I told them, ‘I already watched this,’” said Alcantara in Filipino, pertaining to Lyceum’s comeback win over Arellano last week.

“I watched Lyceum versus Arellano, that’s almost exactly what they did today. Arellano led but they got back in overtime and won. I told them, if we become complacent, all our efforts in the first half would be wasted so it’s good that they stayed composed and we still executed the right plays.”

Clint Escamis flirted with a triple-double with 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the win. Warren Bonifacio scored 20 while Paolo Hernandez and Mark Cuenco had 15 and 13 to their names, respectively.

JM Bravo led the Pirates with 19 markers but the Pirates dropped their second straight game. Mclaude Guadaña and Enoch Valdez helped the cause with 13 and 11 points, respectively, but to no avail.

San Beda’s Jacob Cortez tries to dribble past his defender.-NCAA PHOTO

Jacob Cortez, meanwhile, had himself a stellar game as San Beda edged Jose Rizal University, 74-70.

Without coach Yuri Escueta on the sidelines after serving a one-game suspension, Cortez made sure the Red Lions wouldn’t falter with a 24-point outburst.

Also helping the Red Lions rise to 4-2 are Peter Alfaro and Jomel Puno. Alfaro scored 12 points while Puno posted nine points and 12 rebounds.

Shawn Argente had 14 points for the Heavy Bombers (4-3), who also drew 13 points from Marwin Dionisio.