MANILA – Clint Escamis delivered an electrifying performance with 30 points, five steals, and four assists, propelling Mapua University to an 84-73 win over College of Saint Benilde in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday (02 Dec 2024).
The Cardinals, seeking to end a 33-year championship drought, are now one win away from clinching their sixth NCAA title. Game 2 is scheduled for December 7 at 2:30 p.m., following the announcement of individual awards at 1 p.m.
“I learned a lot from last year. You don’t win a championship in Game 1, so the job is not yet finished,” said Escamis, reflecting on Mapua’s finals loss to San Beda last season despite taking the opener.
Escamis, who earned Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in Season 99, has been in sensational form. He previously scored a career-high 33 points in their semifinal victory over Lyceum on November 23.
Supporting Escamis, John Recto contributed 15 points, while Chris Hubilla nearly recorded a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds. Lawrence Mangubat and John Jaboneta added eight points each, with Mangubat also making key defensive contributions.
For the Blazers, Allen Liwag led the charge with 18 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. Gab Cometa and Jhomel Ancheta chipped in 13 and 10 points, respectively, but their efforts fell short against the Cardinals’ balanced attack.
Mapua’s decisive run came early in the fourth quarter when they extended their lead to 62-48, a margin the Blazers could not overcome.
With momentum on their side, the Cardinals aim to seal the series and make history in Game 2.
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