Reigning MVP Clint Escamis propelled Mapúa University to yet another NCAA Seniors Basketball Finals appearance, scoring a career-high 33 points in an 89-79 victory over season hosts Lyceum of the Philippines University in the Season 100 Final Four on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
The two contenders split the season series during the elimination rounds, with the Cardinals dropping the first round matchup 81-96, but bouncing back in the second round with a 69-68 win.
Escamis caught fire from the opening tip, fully intent on ensuring the Cardinals returned to the peak of the NCAA. The 5’11 combo guard shelled out 23 points in the first half alone, boosting the Cardinals’ lead to as much as 15, 45-30 with 4:26 on the clock in the second quarter.
Escamis explained after the game that his early aggression was a result of the mindset instilled by head coach Randy Alcantara, who asked the Cardinals to treat the match like a do-or-die game despite their twice-to-beat advantage.
“Coming into the game kailangang iniisip ko talaga na hindi kami twice to beat. Kasi pag iniisip mo yun may ano ka eh. Sinasabi lang samin nila coach do or die talaga, hindi kami twice to beat, give it our all ngayong game na ito,” explained the reigning MVP.
Though Mapua’s lead would dissipate at the hands of Lyceum, it was Escamis’ play that ensured the Red and Gold retook its advantage in the end.
Down four to start the fourth quarter, 63-67, Escamis’ offensive dominance helped jumpstart a 16-3 run. The Red Robins’ product scored seven of the Cardinals’ 16 points in the run, capped by a gut-wrenching three that saw Mapua go back up double-digits, 79-69 with 5:02 left.
Escamis and Mapua’s hot start to the final frame was too much to overcome for the ailing Pirates, which struggled to keep its players on the floor with many key pieces like John Bravo suffering from muscle cramps.
The air conditioning unit within the Cuneta Astrodome reportedly malfunctioned by halftime, and the heightened temperature likely affected the increase in muscle cramping for the players.
With their lead safely out of reach, the Cardinals secured the 89-79 victory and booked their trip back to the finals.
Escamis’ impact was prevalent all around the box score, adding four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block to his 33-point career-high. Prized rookie Chris Hubilla also left his mark with 17 points and eight boards.
JC Recto chipped in with 10 points and five rebounds off the bench.
The Cardinals are now just two wins away from attaining the NCAA title that has eluded them two of the last three seasons. They await the results of the series between College of Saint Benilde and San Beda University before they meet their finals opponents.
Mapua will face the winner between the Blazers and the defending champions on Sunday, December 1 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Despite an injury-riddled year, John Bravo still managed to end his season strong with a team-high 20 points and 10 boards.
Mclaude Guadana added 12 points off the bench, but his struggles at the line made it difficult for the Pirates to fight back in the game, going just 2/7 on his free throw attempts.
JM Bravo had a similarly mixed ending to season 100 as he mustered up 14 points off the bench, but struggled to handle the ball with his seven turnovers.
As for Lyceum, the loss marks its third straight Final Four exit in the NCAA after falling to the eventual champions in the past two seasons, with Colegio de San Juan de Letran besting the Pirates in season 98, while San Beda outed them in the 99th season.
The Pirates will still face the loser of the other bracket in the Battle for Third.
The Scores:
Mapua 89 – Escamis 33, Hubilla 17, Recto 10, Mangubat 7, Concepcion 7, Cuenco 6, Igliane 4, Bancale 4, Jabonete 1, Ryan 0, Garcia 0
Lyceum 79 – Bravo 20, Barba 14, Vilegas 12, Guadaña 12, Daileg 6, Versoza 6, Moralejo 3, Cunanan 2, Montaño 2, Peñafiel 2, Aviles 0
Quarterscores: 29-21, 55-46, 63-65, 89-79
