Mapua's Yam Concepcion in action against Arellano in the NCAA Season 102 men's basketball tournament, October 1, 2026 at the San Juan Arena. Angela Davocol, NCAA Philippines
MANILA — The Mapua Cardinals ended Arellano University's perfect start in the NCAA Season 102 men's basketball tournament on Thursday, coming away with a 69-55 win in the first crossover game of the season at the San Juan Arena.
The Chiefs entered the game with a perfect 4-0 record in Group B, but were kept in check by the Cardinals who improved to 2-3 in the tournament.
From a 37-all tie at the half, Mapua pulled away in the final two quarters.
The Cardinals leaned on their defense to break the game open, as they limited the Chiefs to just seven points in the pivotal third frame and took a 53-44 lead in the payoff period.
Yam Concepcion dominated for Mapua with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds.
"Siya 'yong leader ko sa court at anchor namin sa depensa," coach Chito Victolero said of Concepcion. "[In the] last two games, nahirapan siya, pero I reminded him about calmness."
Ian Lazarte had 17 points to help Mapua's cause.
Renzo Abiera led Arellano with 13 points while Yuan Camay had 10. T-Mc Ongotan was limited to seven points in the loss.
The scores:
MU 69 - Concepcion 22, Lazarte 17, L. Nitura 9, Cuenco 7, Igliane 4, Diaz 3, M. Nitura 2, Liwanag 2, Dones 2, Razon 1, Ryan 0, Reyes 0
AU 55 - Abiera 13, Camay 10, Ongotan 7, Cabotaje 7, Flores 6, Hernal 3, Geronimo 3, Vinoyq 2, Buenaventura 2, Borromeo 2, Langit 0, Manansala 0, Anama 0
Quarter scores: 19-15, 37-37, 53-44, 69-55