MANILA, Philippines — Mapua University is just one win away from ending its 33-year title drought after beating College of Saint Benilde, 84-73, in Game 1 of the NCAA 100 men’s basketball tournament best-of-three finals on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Clint Escamis was unstoppable, displaying a high-caliber performance with his 30-point outing on 11-out-of-15 two-point field goal shooting, along with four assists, and five steals.
“It’s a good feeling to win, but just like what Kobe (Bryant) said, job is not finished,” Escamis said in broadcast.
This is the first time since the pandemic that a player scored in 30 points in a finals match.
JC Recto added 15 points to punish the Blazers, while John Jabonete, and Lawrence Mangubat both chipped in eight points, each.
Coming from a sorry loss and settling for runner-up in Season 99 against San Beda University, Escamis shared that this time he is now more matured.
“I shut down the outside noise. I zoned out, and I kept my focus,” he added.
“The team today is more involved, and everything is from the system of coach Randy (Alcantara).”
Benilde’s Allen Liwag made double-double performance of 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Gab Cometa added 11 markers.
The Game 2 is scheduled on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the same venue.
