By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Games Sunday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. – Mapua vs CSB
Mapua and College of St. Benilde hope to highlight the NCAA Season 100 with a title series to remember beginning Game 1 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game is at 2 p.m. with both teams not only looking to draw the first blood in their best-of-three championship series but also produce fireworks that will bring the fans back to the oldest collegiate league and make them wild and happy once again just like the league’s golden days.
The thirst factor could be the answer to the league’s fervent prayer – to have a series as tight, dramatic and classic as before in order to reclaim its status as the country’s premier collegiate league.
The Cardinals, for one, are aching to clinch their first title in 33 years.
They came tantalizing close to winning the crown over the last two seasons — against the Letran Knights in 2022 and over the San Beda Red Lions last year — but somehow the couldn’t pull off the finishing kick.
But the stalwarts of coach Randy Alcantara are highly motivated to use past heartbreaks to fuel their drive of capturing that elusive title.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis is expected to lead Mapua’s charge along with prized forward Chris Hubilla, big man Yam Concepcion and Lawrence Mangubat as they try to lean on an imposing 10-game winning streak that included a nine-game second-round sweep and an 89-79 victory over Lyceum in the semifinals.
But it was easier said than done.
St. Benilde is also as hungry for the crown as Mapua as the Blazers last tasted a championship title in 2000.
So hungry that they dethroned San Beda, 79-63, in the semis despite being armed twice-to-beat advantage.
The Blazers are trying move heaven and earth to bring that trophy back to Taft with Allen Liwag, Winston Ynot, Justine Sanchez and Jhomel Ancheta out to win it all no matter what it takes.
