Mapua Malayan Colleges pulled off successive defensive stops in the final 10 seconds to overcome a third-period collapse, holding off Lyceum of the Philippines-Laguna in a thrilling 71-70 win on Thursday as it claimed the first championship slot in the Laguna leg of the inaugural National Basketball Championship (NBC) Inter-High at the Cabuyao Stadium.
Kenneth Simeon scored on a baseline basket off a turnover of Lyceum guard T. Teoc with 7.1 ticks remaining as Mapua regained a one-point lead in a tight scoring exchange in a game dominated by Mapua, at least during the entire first half.
Lyceum called for a timeout to map out the final play, but T. Teoc failed to become a hero from goat as he fumbled the ball at the buzzer allowing Mapua to escape for the chance to play in the do-or-die Finals scheduled today (Nov. 10) at the same venue.
They play the winner in the other half of the crossover semifinals between St. Benilde International School and Queen Anne School of Sta. Rosa in the tournament sponsored by
Mommy's Garden Cafe' Restaurant Events, Sipao's Sports Park, Cabbana Packaging, Daddy's Carwash, Miel's Artisan Cafe', Batang Pilipino Basketball League, Provincial Government of Laguna and Denha.
The Red Robbins outplayed and outpoised the Baby Pirates in the first half and their supporters are already celebrating after taking a huge 22-point halftime lead, 40-18.
Playing gracefully under pressure, the Baby Pirates showed resiliency at the start of the third period and sustained the momentum to turn the game in their favor, outscoring Mapua, 20-4 to take the lead for the first time, 54-53, going to the final period.
Lyceum managed to stretch the lead by six, 62-56, on S. Laloan three-point shot with 7.22 remaining. Both teams made several crucial baskets down the stretch until Simeon's layup which proved as the winning margin for Mapua.
Simeon led Mapua with 23 points and five assists, while Teoc poured in a double-double --18 points and 18 rebounds -- on a losing cause in the tournament presented by Jamsap Entertainment Corporation headed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO0 Jojo Flores.
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