NCAA: Mapua rises to share of 2nd place; Lyceum notches 1st win

Manila: Clint Escamis delivered as expected to lead Mapua University to a 71-65 come-from-behind victory over University of Perpetual Help in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 men's basketball tournament at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Sunday. Escamis exploded with 28 points, including four triples, as the Cardinals tied their victims in second spot at 2-1. Idle defending champion San Beda University and San Sebastian College likewise hold 2-1 cards. The reigning Most Valuable Player also had had three steals, two rebounds, two assists and one block. 'We're coming, baby, redemption season,' Escamis said of their campaign to avenge their runner-up finish last season. Marc Cuenco chipped in 12 points and six assists while John Jabonete had eight points and five rebounds for the Cardinals. Mark Gojo Cruz finished with 17 points and seven rebounds while Christian Pagaran and Cedrick Abis contributed 12 points each for the Altas. In the other game, Lyceum of the Phil ippines University fought back in the fourth quarter to deal Jose Rizal University its third straight defeat, 97-92. John Barba scored a career-high 28 points, including five triples, and hauled down five rebounds and issued three assists as the Pirates joined the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals in fourth place at 1-2. Vincent Cunanan contributed 20 points, five steals, four assists and two rebounds to the Pirates, who outscored the Heavy Bombers, 36-20, in the fourth quarter. Jonathan Medina scored 22 points to go with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks for the winless Heavy Bombers. Perpetual will square off with leader College of Saint Benilde (3-0) on Sept. 18 at noontime while Mapua will face Colegio de San Juan de Letran (1-1) on Sept. 20 at 2:30 p.m. Source: Philippines News Agency