By MARK REY MONTEJO
When they’re hot, the Mapua Cardinals are also unstoppable.
Living up to their billing as Mapua’s newest dynamic duo, Clint Escamis and Paolo Hernandez provided the needed firepower as the Cardinals downed the San Beda Red Lions, 68-63, at the start of the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament Finals at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
After a tight contest in the first 20 minutes of play, the Cardinals surged ahead in the third behind the timely sniping of Escamis and Hernandez plus a solid defensive effort before holding fort to prevail in Game 1 of their best-of-three title series.
The Cardinals can end a 32-year title drought with another win on Sunday.
Inspired by the presence of Mapua greats Atoy Co and Benny Cheng, Hernandez struck hardest in the third where he poured 10 of his 16 points that helped the Cardinals established a 59-43lead going into the final canto.
The 16-point lead proved to be good enough as a buffer as the Lions tried to surmount it but was unsuccessful.
Through the gutsy efforts of Jacob Cortez and Oliver Tagle, the Lions pulled to within 66-63 with 8.5 ticks left, a development that excited the San Beda supporters.
Escamis, his good looks already earned him enough followers, silenced them by sinking two pressure-packed charities.
The potential rookie-MVP finished with 18 points – most of them in the first two quarters where they battled the Lions tooth and nail.
Team captain Warren Bonifacio had a quiet six-point performance but that hardly mattered as Ryle Rosillo stepped up and delivered 15.
More than his offensive output, he was largely responsible for containing the usually deadly Cortez, and Escamis personally thanked him for his heroics.
“Credit kay Rosillo na na-stop si Jacob sa first quarter, ganda ng game nya today, sana matuloy-tuloy hanggang sa Game 2,” Escamis stressed.
Cortez was off target in the early goings before finding his rhythm late to spark a rally. He finished with 12 points, including buzzer-beating triple at the end of the third frame.
The scores:
MAPUA 68- Escamis 18, Hernandez 16, Rosillo 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.
Quarters: 17-17; 36-31; 59-48; 68-63.
