HERO. Mapua's Clint Escarmis (left) tries to elude the defense of San Beda’s Jacob Cortez in Game One of their best-of-three title series in the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday (Dec. 6, 2023). Escarmis scored 18 points as the Cardinals beat the Red Lions, 68-63. (NCAA photo)
MANILA – Mapua University banked on Clint Escarmis in the fourth quarter to beat San Beda University, 68-63, in Game One of their best-of-three title series in the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
Escarmis struggled with cramps in the third quarter but regained his form to save the day for the Cardinals with a triple and two free throws late in the fourth period.
He finished with 18 points, six rebounds, three steals and two assists as Mapua moved closer to ending a 32-year title drought.
“End or gitna ng third quarter, nag suffer ako ng cramps, minanage ko time ko, sa fourth quarter, doon ko binuhos (At the end or middle of the third quarter, I suffered from cramps, I managed my time, I poured it all in the fourth quarter)," Escamis said after the game.
Paolo Hernandez added 16 points, 12 rebounds and two assists while Ryle Rosilio had 15 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two assists for the Cardinals, who managed to stop the Lions’ gunners.
“Alam naman natin San Beda is deadly sa three points (We know San Beda is deadly from three points),” Mapua captain Warren Bonifacio said in a post-game interview after coach Randy Alcantara begged off due to feeling dizzy.
“Ilang araw din kami nag-practice takbuhan at close out sa three points nila, buti maganda naging resulta sa game (We also practiced running and close out their three points for a few days, good thing it turned out well in the game)," said Bonifacio, playing in his final year.
Game Two will be played on Sunday at MOA.
“We’re glad nakuha first game in the series, pero hindi naman dun natatapos, job’s not done yet. Alam naman namin babawi San Beda sa Game Two, kailangang maging ready lang kami (We're glad we got the first game in the series, but it doesn't end there, job's not done yet. We know San Beda will come back in Game Two, we just have to be ready)," Bonifacio said.
James Payosing led the Red Lions with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Jomel Puno and Jacob Cortez contributed 12 points apiece. (PNA)
