Cardinals hold off Lions, inch closer to NCAA title

Clint Escamis and Paolo Hernandez delivered key baskets to help Mapua overcome San Beda’s late-game effort en route to a 68-63 win in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament Finals at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

MVP race frontrunner Escamis took the mantle when the Cardinals couldn’t find their range in the first half to finish with 18 points.

Hernandez, meanwhile, led Mapua’s second half explosion as he poured in 10 of his 16 points in the third frame to bring his team to a 59-43 advantage which they managed to protect until the final buzzer.

With the victory, the Cardinals moved a win away from ending a three-decade title drought. Game 2 is on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the same venue.

Mapua knew exactly how to silence San Beda’s gunners, limiting the Mendiola-based squad to five triples and was a big difference from its semis wins over Lyceum where it drained 13 long bombs each.

“Alam naman natin San Beda is deadly sa three points,” said Mapua captain Warren Bonifacio, who spoke on behalf of coach Randy Alcantara, who apologetically begged off from the customary post-game media interview after feeling dizzy late in the game.

“Ilang araw din kami nag-practice takbuhan at close out sa three points nila, buti maganda naging resulta sa game,” added the 25-year-old Bonifacio, who is on his fifth and final year.

The Red Lions did try to mount a comeback, cutting the once 16-point lead to just five, 66-61, with over two minutes left.

But the Cardinal held on and went to Escamis, who was fouled and calmly sank two free throws to seal the game.

James Payosing posted a double-double effort of 14 points and 12 rebounds while Jomel Puno and Jacob Cortez added 12 each in a losing cause.

The scores:

Mapua 68– Escamis 18, Hernandez 16, Rosillo 15, Bonifacio 6, Recto 5, Cuenco 4, Soriano 4, Fornis 0, Dalisay 0

San Beda 63– Payosing 14, Puno 12, Cortez 12, Andrada 8, Jopia 8, Tagle 5, Cuntapay 2, Visser 2, Alfaro 0, Gonzales 0, Royo 0, Gallego 0

Quarterscores: 17-17; 36-31; 59-48; 68-63