CLINT Escamis put Mapua on his shoulders as the Red Robins claimed the 2018 Chooks-to-Go Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup Juniors’ championship with a 78-72 victory over San Beda in the Finals on Saturday in San Juan.
The third-year guard scored eight of his 30 points in the final four minutes of the game, on top of six rebounds and two steals, as the Red Robins once again buckled down on defense to get the job done.
“Syempre malaking responsibility sa akin yun, malaking opportunity na maging leader ng team. May pressure ding kasama pero sa lahat naman ng bagay yun eh. Ma-overcome ko din yun,” said Escamis, who was adjudged as the Tournament MVP.
Paolo Hernandez scored 12 and Jonnel Policarpio added 10, while Grant Dennison registered 11 points and 10 boards for Mapua.
“Magandang experience ito sa amin,” remarked Red Robins assistant coach Ian Racela.
“This San Beda team is a tough team and on our part, kailangan lang siguro naming magkaroon ng experience. And then on the other side, we should sustain yung laro namin. Minsan kasi up-and-down ang game namin at nagkakaroon kami ng complacency. Yun ang mga bagay na kailangan naming i-correct to compete this NCAA.”
With Mapua holding a slim 71-70 advantage in the final 1:25, Rhayyan Amsali’s two consecutive turnovers spelled doom for San Beda as Escamis put his side up, 75-70 with 17.7 seconds remaining en route to the victory.
Jade Talampas paced the Red Cubs with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Justine Sanchez got 16 points and 19 boards in the runner-up finish.
Meanwhile, Nazareth School of National University claimed third place with a 97-90 squeaker over FEU-Diliman.
Harold Alarcon led the Bullpups with 23 points and six rebounds in the victory.
The scores:
Battle for 3rd
Nazareth School NU 97 — Alarcon 23, Torres 15, Quiambao 14, Dayrit 12, Abiera 8, Gonzales 6, Enriquez 5, Vinoya 5, Mailim 4, Songcuya 2, Felisilda 2, Buensalida 1, Lantaya 0.
FEU-Diliman 90 — Abarrientos 24, Alforque 21, Ona 13, Anonuevo 9, Torres 6, Armendez 5, San Pablo 3, Bradley 3, Libago 2, Barasi 2, Tolentino 2, Hontiveros 0, Mantua 0.
Quarterscores: 17-26; 46-47; 79-64; 97-90.
Final
Mapua 78 — Escamis 30, Hernandez 12, Policarpio 12, Dennison 11, Sarias 6, Mariano 4, Arches 3, Chaves 0, Diaz 0, Lazarte 0, Samonteza 0, Smith 0, Tagal 0.
San Beda 72 — Talampas 20, Sanchez 16, Amsali 13, Oliva 7, Valencia 3, Pelipel 3, Calaguin 2, Llarena 2, Ynot 2, Alcantara 0.
Quarterscores: 13-18; 35-37; 53-52; 78-72.
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