Lawrence Mangubat —AGOSTO DELA CRUZ
Lawrence Mangubat has been doing additional work on his shots daily before and after practice.
“I always get up early and go to the gym to shoot. After our team practice, I make sure to shoot a little more,” Mangubat said in Filipino.
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The 5-foot-11 freshman guard scored a pair of key baskets to lead the Mapua Cardinals to a narrow 69-68 victory over the Lyceum Pirates on Tuesday in the NCAA Season 100 men's baloncesto tournament.
He broke free from the corner and received Clint Escamis' pass with 3.9 seconds left to knock down the winning three that cemented the Cardinals' claim for a safe spot in the Remaining 4 behind tournament leader School of St. Benilde.
“I knew I was going to make that shot, but I didn't really expect it to hit. I was surprised,” said Mangubat, the prized find of Mapua from Liloan, Cebu.
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James Payosing made a mockery of every defender thrown at him, scoring 18 points in San Beda's 83-70 win over Jose Rizal University in the other game.
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With center Bismarck Lina and wings Nygel Gonzales and Bryan Sajonia sidelined by injuries, the defending champion Crimson Lions recorded their ninth victory in 14 games.
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“We are moving forward in the season, so we have to stay together. We definitely have to respond to what the coaches tell us,” said Payosing, last season's Finals MVP.
tenth defeat
For the Heavy Bombers, their 10th loss has only made their semi-final hopes less attainable with four games remaining in the second round.
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“We are short of personnel, but I have full confidence in [the Red Lions]. I just told the guys that they should be ready when their number is called and follow the game plan,” San Beda coach Yuri Escueta said.
Mangubat matched his career-high 16 points, including an off-balance double in the corner over the outstretched arms of Jonathan Daileg, tying the score for the final time at 66.
Renz Villegas took over the Pirates' attack in the fourth, scoring 14 of his 22 points in that span, to help erase a double-digit Mapua lead.
The Pirates had a chance to reverse the result, but Daileg's potential decisive corner kick went off target at the buzzer, sending Lyceum to its eighth loss in 14 outings.
Chris Hubilla scored 14 points, Cy Cuenco contributed 11 and Escamis 10 for the Cardinals, who are coming off another win in the Remaining 4.
But Mapua coach Randy Alcántara's pupils are not only looking for a post-elimination appearance. They are going all out for the championship after a failed attempt at the hands of the San Beda Crimson Lions in Season 99.
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“We are still within sight of Remaining 4 and our goal for now is to secure that advantage of winning twice,” Cuenco said. INQ
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