MANILA — The Mapua Cardinals rallied to a 71-65 come-from-behind win over the University of Perpetual Help in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Clint Escamis led the charge for Mapua with 28 points, including four three-pointers, pushing the Cardinals to a 2-1 record, tying Perpetual for second place. Escamis, the reigning MVP, also contributed three steals, two rebounds, two assists, and one block.
“We’re coming, baby, redemption season,” Escamis declared, referencing their bid to avenge last season’s runner-up finish.
Supporting Escamis, Marc Cuenco added 12 points and six assists, while John Jabonete had eight points and five rebounds.
For Perpetual, Mark Gojo Cruz delivered 17 points and seven rebounds, with Christian Pagaran and Cedrick Abis contributing 12 points each.
In another game, Lyceum of the Philippines University pulled off a thrilling 97-92 comeback victory over Jose Rizal University, handing the Heavy Bombers their third consecutive loss. John Barba scored a career-high 28 points, including five three-pointers, alongside five rebounds and three assists. The Pirates, now at 1-2, tied with Emilio Aguinaldo College for fourth place.
Vincent Cunanan also shined for Lyceum with 20 points, five steals, four assists, and two rebounds. Jonathan Medina’s 22 points, six rebounds, and two blocks weren’t enough to prevent JRU from staying winless.
Perpetual faces the undefeated College of Saint Benilde (3-0) on September 18, while Mapua takes on Colegio de San Juan de Letran (1-1) on September 20.
ia/mnm
