Reigning MVP Clint Escamis showcased his dominance once again, leading Mapua University to its seventh straight win and maintaining an undefeated record in the second round of the NCAA Season 100 seniors basketball tournament.
The 24-year-old standout capped the Cardinals’ perfect week with the biggest shot of his collegiate career — a game-winning three-pointer against the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde Blazers, clinching a thrilling 75-73 victory on Sunday.
With his stellar play and composure under pressure, Escamis earned NCAA Player of the Week honors, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and sponsored by Discovery Suites and World Balance for the period of Nov. 5 to 10.
Escamis delivered a remarkable performance, rallying the Cardinals from a 20-point second-quarter deficit against the Blazers. His clutch three-pointer sealed the win in the intense matchup.
“I’m speechless right now… it just happened to me, tapos ganon pa kalayo. Tumingin ako sa time sa taas, mga four seconds na lang and medyo malayo pa ang gap ng defender,” said Escamis, who finished with 26 points, five assists, four rebounds, and a steal against St. Benilde.
“Kaya naisipan ko nalang to make that shot, pina-practice ko naman din ‘yun eh,” he added.
The victory followed a strong 71-57 win over the University of Perpetual Help last Wednesday, reinforcing Mapua’s pursuit of a championship after last season’s runner-up finish. With the two wins, the Cardinals improved their record to 13-3, tying St. Benilde for first place.
In the Perpetual Help game, the 5-foot-11 guard posted 18 points, five assists, three steals, and one rebound.
Escamis, formerly of UE, became the third Mapua player to receive the weekly honor, marking the third consecutive week a Cardinal has won the award, following Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat. He edged out other nominees, including Renz Villegas of Lyceum, Jimboy Estrada of Letran, and Harvey Pagsanjan of Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Coming off his remarkable Season 99 campaign, where he captured both MVP and Rookie of the Year honors, Escamis is determined to lead the Cardinals to the championship that narrowly eluded them last season.
Next up for Escamis and Mapua is a game against the San Sebastian Stags (5-11) this Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
