By: Miguel Caramoan
After a dominant campaign that saw him crowned as NCAA Season 99’s Most Valuable Player and lead the Mapua Cardinals to the championship in Season 100, Clint Escamis entered Season 101 carrying high expectations to once again bring glory to his team.
But so far, the numbers haven’t gone his way.
The 25-year-old guard has struggled to find his rhythm early in the season, averaging just 9.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 32.7% from the field and a rough 18.2% from beyond the arc through five games.
Those shooting woes were further exposed in their 79-70 loss to San Beda University, where Escamis was held to only two points on 0-of-5 shooting.
“Siyempre nandun pa rin yung part na kailangan ko pumuntos, sadyang sobrang off ko lang talaga ngayon,” Escamis admitted.
“So kailangan ko lang talaga i-work yon sa practice.”
Escamis’ off nights have become more frequent this season. He’s been limited to single-digit scoring in four of their five outings, except for his 29-point explosion in the Cardinals’ win over Arellano University.
For Escamis, though, the slump isn’t about pressure — it’s about the process. That mindset continues to drive his determination to bounce back.
“Of course, more aggressive talaga ako sa offense and in terms of my whole game in the coming games to make a statement talaga,” he said, emphasizing the need to take initiative.
Following their recent defeat, the Cardinals now hold second place in Group A with a 3-2 record, behind the Perpetual Altas’ 4-1 slate.
As competition heats up in the crossover phase, Escamis believes the challenge will only help sharpen Mapua’s edge moving forward.
“Elite teams yung mga talo namin, so ayun… Especially nasa kabilang bracket na kami, kailangan talaga namin build up pa sa practice yung mga lapses namin,” he shared.
Fully aware that Mapua has a target on its back as the reigning champions, Escamis understands the pressure that comes with being the focal point of a title-defending squad.
Still, rather than dwell on their setbacks, the Cardinals are choosing to redirect their focus toward improvement.
“Yung pressure na yon since na nag-champion kami and preseason pa, dala na namin yon. Ngayon talo kami and nagpapanalo yung ibang teams, para sa amin na-lower na yung pressure,” Escamis added.
“Mag-iimprove na lang kami sa ensayo na wala kaming iniisip ngayon. Bounce back na lang kami.”
