By: Neo Garcia
Clint Escamis and Rajko Toroman already knew on Saturday that the Mapua University-College of Saint Benilde clash the following day would be nothing short of epic.
In a chance encounter at Power Plant Mall in Makati, the current Blazers consultant told the reigning NCAA Seniors Basketball MVP that Sunday’s marquee game would feature fireworks.
“Nung nakita ko si Coach Rajko sa Rockwell kahapon, sabi niya kahapon, ‘Tomorrow is going to be interesting,’” said the 24-year-old former UE Red Warrior.
“It did.”
At first, it seemed like the game would be a walk in the park for the Blazers, who led by 20 points late in the second quarter, 54-34.
Slowly but surely, though, the Cardinals began to chip away at the lead.
Escamis, along with Lawrence Mangubat, Mark Cuenco, and Yam Concepcion, rallied Mapua.
However, with only four seconds remaining and the Cardinals down 72-73, it appeared that time was not on their side.
Moreover, the Blazers had possession.
Still, Mapua persevered. Rather than fouling, the Cardinals played tenacious defense.
Eventually, Justine Sanchez overcooked a pass intended for Allen Liwag right under Benilde’s basket.
With little time left, Escamis swooped in, dribbled the ball, and launched a ‘logo shot’ heave.
The shot swished through the net, and the small crowd inside the Filoil EcoOil Centre erupted in wild cheers.
“Speechless right now. Parang ako yung batang nagji-gym lang dati tapos to make that shot and tapos ganun pa kalayo, may ano talaga ng Diyos yun e. Sobrang speechless ako,” said Escamis, who finished with 26 points, five assists, four rebounds, and a steal.
“Tumingin ako sa gameclock tapos four seconds na lang. Malayo pa yung gap to do a layup tapos may defender pa. Naisipan ko na lang na to make that shot.”
It’s a moment Escamis could only dream about.
“Minsan pina-practice ko naman yun for fun shots and then it happened,” he said.
“I’ve made clutch shots in past seasons but never a game-winner from Steph Curry range. This is the biggest shot of my career so far, but we’re still gunning for a championship.”
Now, the Cardinals and the Blazers are tied at the top of the NCAA Season 100 standings.
More importantly, Escamis and the Cardinals now believe they can finally overcome the hump.
“Doing this to the number one team speaks volumes about what we can accomplish.”
