Games Sunday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
9 a.m. – Benilde vs LPU (Battle for Third)
12:30 p.m. – Awarding Ceremony
2 p.m. – San Beda vs Mapua (Finals, Game 2)

MANILA — In a thrilling display of determination, Clint Escamis proved his mettle as Mapua clinched a pivotal 68-63 triumph over San Beda, placing them on the precipice of their first NCAA men’s basketball title in 32 years at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Overcoming mid-third quarter cramps, Escamis showcased resilience by sinking a crucial three-pointer and two clutch free throws late in the game, contributing significantly to the Cardinals’ Game 1 success.

“End or gitna ng third quarter, nag suffer ako ng cramps, minanage ko time ko, sa fourth quarter dun ko binuhos,” shared Escamis, who concluded the match with 18 points, six rebounds, and three steals.

Mapua is now poised to seize the championship in Game 2, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday at the same Pasay venue.

The Cardinals demonstrated a robust defense, limiting Jacob Cortez to just 12 points after a scoreless first half, and stifling San Beda’s shooters to a mere five triples out of 32 attempts.

This starkly contrasted with San Beda’s performance in the Final Four, where they drained 13 three-pointers in each of their two victories over Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Mapua stands on the verge of ending a prolonged title drought, aiming for their first men’s crown since their 1991 triumph and seventh title overall.

Despite Coach Randy Alcantara’s absence from the post-game media interview due to dizziness, graduating forward Warren Bonifacio expressed satisfaction that the Cardinals effectively countered San Beda’s lethal outside shooting.

“Alam naman natin San Beda is deadly sa three points,” remarked Mapua’s captain. “Ilang araw din kami nag-practice takbuhan at close out sa three points nila, buti maganda naging resulta sa game.”

Bonifacio, cautious of San Beda’s resilience, emphasized, “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 2, kailangang maging ready lang kami.”

        The scores:

        Mapua (68) – Escamis 18, Hernandez 16, Rosillo 15, Bonifacio 15, Bonifacio 6, Recto 5, Cuenco 4, Soriano 4, Fornis 0, Dalisay 0.

        San Beda (63) – Payosing 14, Puno 12, Cortez 12, Andrada 8, Jopia 8, Tagle 5, Cuntapay 2, Visser 2, Alfaro 0, Gonzales 0, Royo 0, Gallego 0.

        Quarterscores: 17-17; 36-31; 59-48; 68-63