Mapua University rookie Jamal Diaz against San Beda University in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.MANILA — Jamal Diaz delivered when it mattered most as Mapua University stunned defending champion San Beda University, 55-54, for its first win in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball on Monday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The spitfire rookie drained the game-winning three-pointer with 12 seconds left to help the Cardinals end their three-game skid and finally enter the win column.
“That’s why he’s in the end game, because of his ‘kapal ng mukha,’” said Mapua head coach Chito Victolero, who earned his first NCAA win since returning to the grand old league behind Diaz’s eight points, five rebounds, and a steal.
Also starring was Marc Cuenco, who fired 19 points on 3-of-5 shooting from long range, while Yam Concepcion made his presence felt all over the floor with four points, nine rebounds, and six assists as Mapua avoided another double-digit meltdown after earlier leading by as many as 12.
On the other hand, Jimmy Reyes still had a chance to give San Beda the win but missed his three-pointer at the buzzer as the Red Lions absorbed their second loss in four outings.
RC Calimag powered San Beda, which squandered an 11-point lead, with 18 points on 4-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc, while Lawrence Hawkins finished with 13 points and eight rebounds, and Aldous Torculas chipped in 10 points and two blocks.
The Scores:
Mapua 55 - Cuenco 19, Diaz 8, Razon 7, Dones 5, Concepcion 4, M. Nitura 4, Igliane 4, L. Nitura 2, Liwanag 2, Reyes 0, Mendoza 0.
San Beda 54 - Calimag 18, Hawkins 13, Torculas 10, Reyes 5, Lina 4, Puno 3, Marcelo 1, Estacio 0, Bonzalida 0, Jamora 0, Ugaddan 0, Songcuya 0, Sarigumba 0.
Quarterscores: 17-9, 23-26, 30-39, 55-54.