One day before their clash against Lyceum of the Philippines University, Clint Escamis surprised his Mapua University squad with a birthday celebration after a hard day of practice.
Escamis brought pizza after the team’s gym session and celebrated his 23rd birthday with the group he’s been with for months.
“Siguro mas masaya ito pag nanalo tayo bukas,” joked Cardinals head coach Randy Alcantara.
Escamis took Alcantara’s words seriously, as he and the rest of the Cardinals were determined to grab the win and steal the number one spot in the standings from the Pirates.
The Cardinals led by as much as 17 points, but Lyceum fought back to tie the game in the fourth quarter. With both squads tied at 82 and less than a minute to go on the clock, it was none other than the birthday boy who delivered for Mapua.
Escamis sank a stepback triple that clanged against the backboard and landed softly inside the rim. That gave them a three-point lead and ultimately clinched the victory for Mapua.
“Sobrang saya at thankful ako sa opportunity na ibinigay ni Coach Randy. They were calling the last play para sa akin, and thankful ako na na-convert ko. Thank God na pumasok ‘yung shot kasi may halong suwerte din kasi birthday eh, bank shot,” shared Escamis after the game.
Though Escamis hit the tough shot in the end, Alcantara shared that it was still a team effort that helped them secure the win and wrap up Escamis’ birthday on a high note.
“Tinupad naman nila na tatrabuhin nila ngayon, at ‘yung regalo nila sa teammate nila si Clint nabigay naman. ‘Yung birthday boy at ‘yung mga kasama nag-ambag ambag naman,” Alcantara explained.
The Cardinals now have firm control of the number one spot in the standings for Season 99. Still, Alcantara preached caution and hoped that the team does not let their guard down despite their high ranking.
“Pag nagpabaya kami, mabilis mawala ‘yan, parang kanina ‘yung laman namin. Importante ‘yung dulo, so talagang dinadasal ko na healthy ‘yung mga players, kung ano man ang standings namin,” he shared.
For today, Escamis, Alcantara, and the rest of Mapua will celebrate their victory as they set their sights on Arellano University on Wednesday at 2:00 PM at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
