Clint Escamis just proved why he’s the reigning MVP of the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament.
The former UE Red Warrior sank a Hail Mary three-pointer to beat the buzzer, completing Mapua University’s comeback from 20 points down to secure a 75-73 victory over De La Salle-College of St. Benilde at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Sunday.
Escamis finished with a game-high 26 points – 15 of which came in the second half – along with five assists, four rebounds, and a steal.
The game-winning shot was made possible by defense. Blazers’ Justine Sanchez passed the ball to Allen Liwag inside the paint, but Liwag couldn’t catch it cleanly.
Mapua’s Chris Hubilla swooped in for the steal, leading to Escamis’ three-pointer from three steps past the centerline to seal the win and snap Benilde’s seven-game winning streak.
“Si God na ‘yun,” said Mapua head coach Randy Alcantara about Escamis’ game-winner. “Down by 20 points, of course, siyempre kilala naman natin si Clint eh. Siyempre kung walang guidance ni Lord yung ganon di ba?
“Pinick up ko nga yung stats – 30 rebounds lang, paano naman kami mananalo noon? Miracle shot. Thank you Lord.”
It was all Blazers in the first half, as they led by as much as 20 points, 54-34, thanks to the scoring of Matthew Oli and Gab Cometa, who each had 10 points.
But the Cardinals, last season’s finalists, showed resilience and heart despite the large deficit.
With the win, Mapua improved to 13-3, tying Benilde atop the standings. Both teams are assured of at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four.
If San Beda University loses once in its final three elimination games, both Mapua and Benilde will gain the postseason advantage.
Lawrence Mangubat added 12 points for the Cardinals, while Yam Concepcion chipped in 11, and Cyrus Cuenco contributed eight.
Liwag led the Blazers with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks, while Ian Torres added 10 points, eight of which came in the first half.
Oli and Cometa were held scoreless in the second half.
Both teams will be back on Wednesday, with Mapua facing San Sebastian at 6 p.m. and Benilde taking on San Beda at 2:30 PM.
The Scores:
Mapua 75 – Escamis 26, Mangubat 12, Concepcion 11, Cuenco 8, Hubilla 5, Recto 5, Igliane 4, Bancale 4, Fermin 0, Abdulla 0
Saint Benilde 75 – Liwag 15, Torres 10, Cometa 10, Oli 10, Ynot 9, Sanchez 7, Ancheta 5, Eusebio 3, Cajucom 3, Sangco 1, Ondoa 0, Morales 0, Turco 0
Quarterscores: 16-28, 39-54, 60-63, 75-73
