YAM Concepcion finally woke up on the right side of the bed.
And Mapua certainly earned a lot of ground with the third-year forward playing to his full potential, dealing erstwhile undefeated Arellano its first loss in the NCAA Season 102 seniors basketball tournament, 69-55, Thursday at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Concepcion had his best game to date, active on all fronts on his way to 22 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks, four steals, and three assists on top of his usual hustle to deliver the Cardinals their second straight win.
"Ilang games na akong graduate eh. Nasasabon na ako eh," said the Pasig City native.
Coach Chito Victolero also gave it to his starting big, stating: "Siya ang leader ko sa court, at the same time siya ang anchor namin sa depensa."
Mapua leans on defense
Concepcion's hyperactivity basically brought life to Mapua's defense which did an impeccable job in limiting the run-and-gun Chiefs to 27.9-percent from the field and a horrid 3-of-26 clip from downtown.
The Cardinals also shut down league top scorer T-Mc Ongotan, holding him to seven points on 2-of-11 from the field.
"I also have to give credit to the whole team. They're embracing the defensive mentality of this team," furthered Victolero, as his side lorded over the boards, 56 to 30.
Ivan Lazarte also had his share with 17 points and seven rebounds, Lance Nitura got nine points, five rebounds, and two assists, and Cy Cuenco had seven points, four boards, and four dimes for Mapua, which ascended to a 2-3 record, coming off backo-to-back triumphs over San Beda then now, Arellano.
With Ongotan shut down, the Chiefs leaned on Renzo Abiera's 13 and Yuan Camay's 10 in the losing cause to drop to 4-1.
They also had to play the game without senior forward Basti Valencia who was serving a one-game suspension.
The Scores:
MAPUA 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.
ARELLANO 55 - Abiera 13, Camay 10, Ongotan 7, Cabotaje 7, Flores 6, Hernal 3, Geronimo 3, Vinoya 2, Buenaventura 2, Borromeo 2, Langit 0, Manansala 0, Anama 0.
Quarters: 19-15, 37-37, 53-44, 69-55.
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