By MARK REY MONTEJO
Paolo Hernandez and Clint Escamis waxed hot from beyond the arc and helped power Mapua to a 78-67 win over College of St. Benilde and into the finals of the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
Hernandez and Escamis struck hardest for the Cardinals, a triggering a massive 14-2 run to rip the game wide apart and sail into the finals against either No. 2 Lyceum or No. 3 San Beda.
In his best game so far, Hernadez tallied 22 points while Escamis added 21 points as the duo foiled Benilde’s bid for a second straight finals appearance.
For his performance, Escamis boosted his bid to win the coveted MVP award.
The Blazers lost to the Letran Knights last season.
Despite their twice-to-beat armor, the Cardinals played with more urgency which they typified in the waning moments of the game and earned for themselves commendation from coach Randy Alcantara.
“Team effort, teamwork and trust, na sana madala namin hanggang finals,” said Alcantara.
The Blazers dictated the pace of the game before the Cardinals seized the momentum midway in the payoff period.
Hernandez was at his best in the fourth where he scattered 9 points, enough to disarm the Blazers who self-destructed after falling into a maze of errors.
The scores:
MAPUA 78– Hernandez 22, Escamis 21, Cuenco 10, Bonifacio 9, Soriano 6, Rodillo 4, Recto 3, Asuncion 3, Igliane 0, Fornis 0, Dalisay 0.
CSB 67– Oczon 17, Corteza 14, Carlos 10, Gozum 9, Sangco 5, Mara 5, Turco 3, Arciaga 2, Marcos 2, Nayve 0, Cajucom 0, Marasigan 0, Davis 0.
Quarters: 14-18; 34-37; 56-55; 78-67.
