NCAA: Jamal Diaz sinks game-winner as Mapua breaks through at San Beda's expense - GMA Network

Rookie Jamal Diaz delivered in the clutch as Mapua University broke through in NCAA Season 102 with a 55-54 victory over San Beda University on Monday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

After a hot start that handed the Cardinals a 21-9 lead in the second period, the Red Lions limited the Intramuros-based squad to just 13 points combined in the second and third quarters to take a 39-30 lead heading into the final frame.

Mapua opened the fourth quarter with back-to-back triples from Louis Razon and Cyrus Cuenco to trim the deficit to three, before Jomel Puno’s free throws off a Yam Concepcion foul widened San Beda’s lead once again.

Ken Dones then drilled one from rainbow country to cut the deficit, with both teams eventually trading baskets down the stretch.

With 1:25 remaining, Aldous Torculas split his free throws after being fouled by Diaz, giving the defending champions a five-point cushion. Diaz answered with a triple to pull Mapua within two, 54-52.

Torculas then missed a jumper, allowing Diaz to once again connect from beyond the arc and give the Cardinals the lead.

Jimmy Reyes had a chance to win it for San Beda on the final possession, but his attempt missed, handing Mapua its first victory of the season.

Mapua went 7-of-8 from three-point range in the final quarter alone, en route to a 25-point output. Cuenco led the rally with 11 of his 19 points coming in the fourth.

Diaz scored all eight of his points in the final frame while also posting five rebounds and a steal as Mapua improved to 1-2.

RC Calimag led the Red Lions with 18 points, three rebounds, and two steals, while Lawrence Hawkins added 13 points as San Beda slipped to 2-2.

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.

Quarters: 17-9, 23-26, 30-39, 55-54.