The Mapua Cardinals are building momentum in NCAA Season 102, and their latest victory showed that resilience and timely defense can make the difference even when their shots are not falling.
Mapua University escaped with a 65-60 overtime win over the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on October 16, 2026, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, extending its winning streak to five games. The result improved the Cardinals’ record to 5-3, while the Altas fell to 2-6 after suffering their fifth consecutive defeat.
Cardinals Rally From 10-Point Deficit
Perpetual Help appeared poised to end its losing streak after carrying a 45-39 advantage into the fourth quarter. The Altas stretched their lead to 10 points early in the final period, putting Mapua under pressure.
But the Cardinals refused to fold.
Jamal Diaz sparked Mapua’s comeback with timely three-point shooting, helping fuel a decisive 12-0 run that briefly put the Cardinals ahead, 54-52. Mark Gojo Cruz tied the game at 54 with 1:15 remaining, and neither team managed to produce the winning basket before regulation ended.
The contest headed into overtime, where Mapua found another gear.
Cyrus Cuenco Delivers When It Matters Most
Team captain Cyrus Cuenco took control in the extra period, scoring nine of Mapua’s 11 overtime points to help secure the victory.
Cuenco finished with a game-high 17 points and eight rebounds, alongside two assists and one steal. His timely three-pointers helped Mapua create separation, while Ivan Lazarte added a crucial basket late in overtime to strengthen the Cardinals’ hold on the game.
Yam Concepcion and Marcus Nitura contributed 14 points each, while Diaz added 12 points to give Mapua four double-digit scorers.
For Perpetual Help, LA Casinillo led the way with 17 points, six rebounds and three assists. Gojo Cruz contributed 10 points, but the Altas could not complete their comeback.
Defense, Toughness Become Mapua’s Winning Formula
The victory was another example of Mapua’s ability to remain composed in close games, even when its offense struggles.
According to BusinessMirror’s report, head coach Chito Victolero emphasized toughness, grit and resilience after the hard-fought win. The Cardinals’ growing confidence in pressure situations has become an important part of their five-game winning run.
The performance also highlighted an important challenge for Mapua: sustaining its defensive intensity and improving offensive efficiency as the NCAA tournament progresses.
While the Cardinals managed to prevail, Philstar.com reported that they converted only 25 of 70 field-goal attempts and made eight of 26 free throws. Their ability to overcome those shooting struggles underscores how crucial rebounding, defensive stops and execution in overtime can be.
What This Means for the NCAA Season 102 Race
Mapua’s latest result strengthens its position at 5-3 and extends a winning streak that is building momentum for the Cardinals.
Perpetual Help, meanwhile, faces growing pressure to reverse its slide after dropping to 2-6. The Altas will need to address their late-game execution and find ways to protect leads if they hope to turn their season around.
For Mapua, the message is clear: winning does not always require a high-scoring offensive performance. Sometimes, the ability to withstand pressure, make key defensive plays and deliver in overtime is what separates a winning team from a losing one.
The Cardinals have now won five straight. The bigger question is whether they can maintain that momentum and turn their growing confidence into a serious push in NCAA Season 102.
