By: Bjorn Del Deade
Mapua University edged out Arellano University, 77-71, to secure its third straight win in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
The Cardinals sealed the victory with a strong 26-17 performance in the fourth quarter, highlighted by reigning Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis, who scored 12 of his 15 points late in the period.
Although the Chiefs made a late run, it was not enough to upset Mapua.
With this win, Mapua remained at solo second, improving to a 6-2 win-loss record.
The game started competitively, with both teams tied at 19-all at the end of the first quarter. However, the Generals opened the second frame with an 11-0 run, capped off by a triple from Marc Igliane, taking a 30-19 lead.
In response, the Chiefs mounted an 8-2 run to close the gap to 35-27 with less than three minutes remaining in the half.
They continued to chip away at the deficit, ending the half with a 10-6 run that saw Renzo Abiera drive to the lane for a layup, bringing the score to 41-37 in favor of Mapua.
Arellano tied the game at 49-all when Lorenz Capulong sank his free throws with 54.7 seconds left in the third quarter. Yam Conception and Jerico Camay traded baskets, keeping the score tied at 51-all.
Then the Chiefs scored three straight points to take a slim edge heading into the final frame, 54-51.
The Cardinals reclaimed the lead in the fourth quarter after free throws from Chris Hubilla and Aaron Fermin, making it 57-54.
With four minutes remaining, Escamis took control, scoring eight points, including two three-pointers, during a decisive 15-5 run by the Cardinals. This surge allowed Mapua to build a 12-point cushion at 71-59.
Capulong and Camay tried to rally Arellano back into the game, leading a 12-1 run capped off by a Capulong layup with 38 seconds left, trimming the deficit to just one point at 72-71.
However, Escamis came through in the clutch once again, converting a layup with 16 seconds remaining to secure the lead for Mapua. He then sealed the victory with two free throws following Hubilla’s own free throw, ending the game at 77-71.
Hubilla provided strong support for Escamis, tallying 15 points and eight rebounds, while Marc Cuenco added 10 points to the effort.
Looking ahead, the Mapua Cardinals will aim to wrap up the first round on a high note. They face the San Beda University Red Lions on October 8, Tuesday, at 2:30 PM at the Mall of Asia Arena.
On the other side, Capulong led Arellano with 19 points and six rebounds, while Abiera and Camay contributed 18 and 11 points, respectively.
The Chiefs will conclude the first round with a match-up against the top-ranked College of St. Benilde Blazers on October 4, Friday, at 12:00 PM.
The Scores:
Mapua 77 – Escamis 15, Hubilla 15, Cuenco 10, Mangubat 9, Concepcion 7, Igliane 6, Fermin 5, Jabonete 4, Bancale 2, Ryan 2, Agemenyi 2
Arellano 71 – Capulong 19, Abiera 18, Camay 11, Ongotan 6, Vinoya 6, Hernal 4, Miller 3, Libang 3, Valencia 1, Geronimo 0, Borromeo 0, Estacio 0, Acop 0, Dela Cruz 0
Quarterscores: 19-19, 41-37, 51-54, 77-71
