CLINT Escamis hopes it’s a sign of good things to come for Mapua.
The reigning NCAA MVP delivered a career-high 33 points in guiding the Cardinals back to the men’s basketball finals by ousting the Lyceum Pirates, 89-79, in the Final Four Season 100 Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Ironically, Mapua’s title drought now counts at 33 years, giving him an indication this could be the season when the NCAA trophy will find its way back to the Cardinals’ lair.
READ: Mapua makes way back to finals after mowing down Lyceum
“Kailangan talaga namin ng dahilan. Perfect timing,” said the 24-year-old guard, who previously suited up with the University of the East in the UAAP.
The Cardinals indeed, are already ripe for a championship, having been in the title series for the third time in the last four seasons.
Last year, Escamis and Co. came close at finally regaining the NCAA crown since 1991, but collapsed against the San Beda Red Lions in the finals by losing two in a row including the deciding Game (76-66).
Having learned a tough lesson from last year’s title loss, the King Cardinal said the experience from last year will be a big motivation for the school going to this year’s finals which starts on Dec.1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Ngayon alam ko na kung ano yung nangyayari, yung kailangan kong i-shut yung doors sa mga outside noise. For sure yung maturity of how to handle the pressure in the finals. Kasi iba yung pressure (sa finals), and siyempre, first time ko (sa finals) last year,” said Escamis.
“Kasi kahit veteran na ako sa men’s, iba pa rin yung finals.”
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