Escamis clutch triple lifts Mapua past CSB
2024-Nov-13 09:00
HERO. Mapua University's Clint Escamis (left) plots his move against College of Saint Benilde's Allen Liwag in the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Sunday (Nov. 10, 2024). Escamis fired a triple that lifted the Cardinals to a 75-73 win over the Blazers. (PNA/NCAA)
MANILA – Clint Escamis played hero in Mapua University's 75-73 victory over College of Saint Benilde Sunday in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 men's basketball at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With four seconds remaining, Escamis sank his third triple which turned out to be the game-winning basket, as the Cardinals joined their opponents on top at 13-3.
"Biggest shot of my career so far," the reigning Most Valuable Player, who finished with 26 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal, said in the post-match interview.
Mapua, which has two more games left in the elimination round, needs one more victory to clinch the twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four.
The Cardinals will face the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Stags on Wednesday, also at the San Juan venue, and the Arellano University Chiefs at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Nov. 16.
Lawrence Mangubat chipped in 12 points, while Yam Concepcion had 11 points, five rebounds and three steals for Mapua, which trailed 39-54 at halftime.
Escamis scored 10 points in a 21-9 run that allowed the Cardinals to cut the gap to 60-63, going into the final period.
Allen Liwag led CSB with 15 points, 13 rebounds, five blocks and three assists.
Ian Torres, Gab Cometa and Matthew Oli contributed 10 points each while Winston Ynot added nine points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals for the Blazers, who clobbered the Cardinals, 78-65, on Sept. 7. (PNA)