MANILA – Mapua University Cardinals rode on the fourth quarter exploits of Clint Escamis to score a 71-65 victory over University of Perpetual Help Altas in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Escamis, the reigning NCAA MVP awardee, spearheaded the Cardinals’ 13-5 fourth quarter assault that turned a slim 54-57 deficit to a 67-62 advantage with over two minutes left.
The Altas responded with a three-pointer from rookie Mark Gojo Cruz to cut the deficit to 65-66 but Jeco Bancale knocked down some timely baskets to preserve the Cardinals’ win.
Escamis finished with a season-high of 28 points, while Marc Cuenco and Jabonete contributed 12 and eight markers, respectively, as the Cardinals improved to a 2-1 win-loss slate.
“Lumabas talaga ‘yung pagka-team chemistry namin nung nag-decide kaming magkaroon ng similar hairstyles,” Escamis said on their semi-kalbo looks. “Nakaapekto rin ‘yun kasi parang nag-sacrifice kami for the team.”
Cruz top-scored for the Altas with 17 points, while Christian Pagaran and Cedrick Abis each added 12 points as they suffered their first defeat in three matches.
Meanwhile, the Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates (1-2) rode on the endgame heroics of John Barba to score a 97-92 victory over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers (0-3).
Trailing 63-72 to start the fourth quarter, the Pirates slowly clawed their way back to tie the score at 92-all following two free throws by Barba with over a minute remaining in the game.
Barba broke the deadlock for the Pirates as he knocked down a top of the key three-pointer before his teammate Vincent Cunanan iced the victory with two free throw connections.
The Pirates were led by Barba’s season-high 28 points, Cunanan added 20 points and four assists, while Vincent Guadaña chipped in 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a balanced offensive effort./PN
