Clint Escamis overcame a cold first half and delivered when it mattered most, leading Mapua University to a 75-71 victory over Jose Rizal University in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The reigning MVP struggled offensively for much of the game, shooting just 1-of-6 from both the field and the free throw line through the first three quarters.
Escamis’ difficulties allowed the Heavy Bombers to stay within striking distance until the final period.
However, Escamis found his rhythm in the clutch, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter – including key baskets from all areas of the floor that overwhelmed JRU’s defense.
With Mapua holding a slim two-point lead and 28 seconds left on the clock, Escamis was fouled before the ball was inbounded, giving the Cardinals a critical free throw and possession.
Despite his earlier struggles at the line, the 5’11 combo guard calmly sank the free throw to extend the lead to 74-71.
On the ensuing possession, Escamis missed a three-point attempt, but Yam Concepcion secured the offensive rebound and drew a foul with just four seconds remaining.
The play incensed JRU head coach Louie Gonzales, who was ejected for storming the court.
Concepcion split his free throws, but the single point was enough to seal the win for Mapua.
Concepcion was pivotal throughout the game, finishing with a career-high 19 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks. His clutch free throw in the final seconds solidified the victory for the Cardinals.
“Sa akin naman, ginagawa ko lang role ko. Lagi lang ako nandito sa likod nila, pag sumablay sila, ako na bahala doon,” said the Mapua big man.
“Siyempre tiwala din ako sa kanila eh, nagkakaroon lang kami ng tiwala sa isa’t isa.”
Escamis capped off the game with 13 points and seven assists, bouncing back from his early shooting woes.
Chris Hubilla added 13 points and seven rebounds, while Mark Cuenco chipped in 11 points.
The Cardinals previously defeated JRU in their first-round encounter in a high-scoring 88-81 affair.
With this latest victory, Mapua improved to a 7-3 record, tying their Season 99 Finals opponent San Beda University in the standings.
They will next face Emilio Aguinaldo College on Tuesday at 2:30 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
For JRU, only Joshua Guiab and Shawn Argente provided consistent scoring, both finishing with 16 points.
The Heavy Bombers, now with a 3-7 record, sit alongside Arellano University in eighth place.
They will aim to rebound against San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Wednesday at 2:30 PM, also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
Mapua 75 – Concepcion 19, Escamis 14, Hubilla 13, Cuenco 11, Igliane 6, Jabonete 6, Mangubat 3, Agemenyi 3, Bancale 0, Abdulla 0, J. Garcia 0, Pantaleon 0, Fermin 0,
Jose Rizal 71 – Guiab 16, Argente 16, Lozano 8, Bernardo 8, Raymundo 5, Medina 5, De Jesus 4, Benitez 4, Ferrer 3, Panapanaan 2, Pangilinan 0, D. Garcia 0, De Leon 0, Samontanes 0
Quarterscores: 27-20, 37-36, 54-50, 75-71
