Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Escamis making most of Red Robins reunion with Bonifacio, Hernandez


After the 97th season of the NCAA Seniors Basketball Tournament, many fans around the NCAA believed that it was only a matter of time before Mapua University took the league by storm.

The Cardinals were coming off a finals appearance where they put up a valiant effort against a stacked Colegio de San Juan de Letran squad, losing both games in the finals as Letran secured their back-to-back championships.

However, as Season 98 rolled around, the Cardinals were far from the contenders they were expected to be. The squad from Intramuros became complacent, losing their first seven games of the season and finishing the first round with a 1-8 record. Their slow start would ultimately cost them, as they missed the Final Four completely.

In the league’s 99th season, Coach Randy Alcantara and his squad refused to make the same mistake.

Mapua took care of business in their first two games of the season, defeating San Sebastian College-Recoletos 80-70 to start the season, and following it up with a 75-57 thrashing of San Beda University.NCAA-99-SBU-vs.-MU-Warren-Bonifacio-2 Escamis making most of Red Robins reunion with Bonifacio, Hernandez Basketball MIT NCAA News  - philippine sports news

Leading the way for Coach Alcantara’s group are three players who are very familiar with his system: Paolo Hernandez, Warren Bonifacio, and Clint Escamis. They have all suited up for Mapua since their Red Robin days and believe they can keep the squad together for another Finals run.

“Pinull aside kami before our first game ni Coach Randy, kami talaga dapat maging leader on and off the court. Ayun, positive ‘yun. Naghawa-hawa eh sa second group, sa third group,” said Escamis, who just returned to Mapua after a stint with the University of the East.

#ReadMore  Derrick Pumaren looks to settle some unfinished business in D-League Finals

The trio has answered their coach’s call to lead, intensifying practices and ensuring that they perform on both ends of the court.NCAA-99-SBU-vs.-MU-Paolo-Hernandez Escamis making most of Red Robins reunion with Bonifacio, Hernandez Basketball MIT NCAA News  - philippine sports news

“Seryoso ‘yung grupo ngayon eh, pati ‘yung mga rookies namin, nakita naman natin na talagang nag-deliver. Sabi ko nga magiistart sa kanila, Boni, Clint, and Paolo. ‘Yan ay dahil sa maayos na tinatakbo ngayon dahil sa kanilang leadership,” said Alcantara.

The trio of former Red Robins aims to keep their team focused as they approach their next game against Jose Rizal University on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.

Written By

Vito Martin is a sportswriter from the Philippines. In 2023, he graduated from the Ateneo De Manila University with a degree in BS Psychology. He wrote for Ateneo’s official school publication The GUIDON, where he covered basketball, football, baseball, badminton, and other collegiate sports. He is a life-long fan of the Boston Celtics and an avid follower of the NBA




You May Also Like

Basketball

Veejay Pre made a triumphant debut for University of the Philippines, helping the defending UAAP champions cruise past NCAA titleholder Mapua University, 91–76, in...

AU

Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas kicked off their campaigns in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC...

AdU

De La Salle University flexed its depth in a dominant 65-47 victory over Adamson University to open the Playtime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason...

ADMU

Ateneo de Manila University will not be participating in the 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, which tips off on May 18 at the Filoil...

ADMU

Kean Baclaan delivered the clutch basket, while Mike Phillips powered De La Salle University to a stunning 95-92 victory over Ateneo de Manila University...

Basketball

Vic Manuel made an impressive debut in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), leading the Pangasinan Heatwaves to a thrilling 95-86 victory over the...

Basketball

After spending a year at Mapúa University, Chris Hubilla is moving on. The hardworking 6-foot-4 forward and batchmate Lawrence Mangubat will transfer to José...

Basketball

By: Waylon Galvez Fresh off a triumphant NCAA campaign that ended a decades-long title drought, Mapúa University is setting its sights on another championship...

Advertisement