Defending champion Mapua continued its fine start in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament as the Cardinals downed the Arellano University Chiefs, 90-87, on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the San Juan Arena.
This time, the MVP showed up as Clint Escamis exploded for 29 points, a marked improvement from a measly 8 points in the team’s 90-89 double overtime win. Against the Chiefs, Escamis turned lethal again as he bedazzled his defenders with his deadly marksmanship plus his speed and power,
“Gusto ko lang talaga makabawi from that game na ‘yon,” said Escamis who also had three rebounds, three assists and three steals to match.
“I know my teammates got my back but I know I still needed to perform today, lead and facilitate for the team to serve as a good example.”
Helping Escamis on offense for the Cardinals were Cyrus Cuenco, Cyril Gonzales and Cyrus Nitura, who scored 14, 12 and 10 points respectively.
The Chiefs began their season with a close defeat but not without the efforts of Basti Valencia and Renzo Ablera, who scored 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The scores:
MAPÚA 90 – Escamis 29, Cuenco 14, Gonzales 12, Nitura 10, Sapasap 9, Reyes 5, Concepcion 5, Lazarte 4, Recto 2, Gulapa 0, Igliane 0, Delos Reyes 0, Ryan 0. ARELLANO 87 – Valencia 13, Abiera 12, Hernal 11, Ongotan 10, Libang 10, Camay 8, Cabotaje 6, Borromeo 5, Vinoya 4, Geronimo 4, Demetria 4, Acop 0, Buenaventura 0, Miller 0.
