CLINT Escamis got the better of his showdown with upcoming Mark Gojo Cruz and Mapua got away with a 71-65 come-from-behind win against University of Perpetual Help in Sunday’s marquee matchup in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.
Escamis, the reigning league MVP, was clutch in the stretch for the Cardinals, hitting two from beyond the arc in the waning minutes including one at the 1:23 mark that stretched Mapua’s lead to 67-62, sparking a wild celebration from the Mapua supporters at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
He finished with a career-high 28 points highlighted by four three-pointers as the Cardinals outscored the Altas in the final quarter, 21-12, after trailing in the game three-fourths of the way.
Mapua improved to 2-1 overall with its second straight win, tying with San Sebastian, reigning champion San Beda, and the Altas, who absorbed their first loss of the season.
Gojo Cruz, the Altas’ talented rookie from their junior ranks the previous season, showed the way for the school with 17 points, including 11 in the second half.
Escamis admitted the Perpetual Help standout from Sta. Maria, Bulacan was the Cardinals’ biggest concern going into the game.
“I told them huwag natin siyang bigyan ng kumpiyansa. We have to do everything against him, defend him, denied him the ball, kung puwede may thrash talk pa,” said Escamis, who nonetheless took off his hat against Gojo Cruz in their matchup pitting the present against the future.
A 9-0 run helped reverse the game in the Cardinals’ favor as Escamis and Cyrus Cuenco rifled three straight baskets from beyond the arc.
Gojo Cruz converted from long distance for Perpetual Help’s final stand, 67-65, before the Cardinals put the finishing touch in the comeback win.
Cuenco added 12 and six assists for Mapua.
Christian Pagaran and Cedrick Abis each scored 12 to also finish in double figures for the Altas.
The scores
Mapua 71 - Escamis 28, Cuenco 12, Jabonete 8, Hubilla 7, Mangubat 6, Bancale 6, Igliane 2, Agemenyi 2, Ryan 0, Concepion 0, Fermin 0.
Perpetual 65 - Gojo Cruz 17, Pagaran 12, Abis 12, Pizarro 9, Manuel 6, Orgo 5, Gelsano 2, Nuñez 1, Boral 1, Montemayor 0, Cauguiran 0.
Quarters: 23-20; 37-38; 50-53; 71-65.
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