CLINT Escamis rediscovered his groove in the fourth quarter as Mapua survived a gutsy Arellano University, 77-71, on Wednesday to stay at second spot in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
Held to just three foul shots after misfiring on all of his eight shots from the field in the first three quarters, the reigning MVP came alive in the final period where he sizzled with 12 points including a pair of backbreaking triples that helped the Cardinals stay at No. 2 with a 6-2 record.
That also pushed Mapua half a game behind pace-setting College of St. Benilde (6-1).
“Nagpapasalamat ako kina coach na kahit hindi pumapasok tira ko hindi pa rin ako tinanggal,” said Escamis, who added eight assists, five rebounds and four steals to his clutch scoring.
“Thankful nag deliver ako sa team,” he added.
Chris Hubilla and Mar Cuenco likewise came through as they chipped in 15 and 10 points, respectively.
Mapua coach Randy Alcantara lauded his rookies Yam Concepcion, who had seven points and 10 boards, and Aaron Fermin, who chipped in five points in the final canto, for stepping up when they needed them most.
“Malaking tulong rookies namin,” he said.
Lorenz Capulong pounded it inside and had a game-high 19 points while Renzo Abiero waxed hot from the outside where he drilled four treys and finished with 18 points but the Chiefs lost their way in the end.
AU dropped to 2-6.
Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines University drew strength from its second stringers as it turned back University of Perpetual Help, 64-62, Wednesday that boosted its Final Four stock in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
With several of its key players injured and its top scorer John Barba struggling, the Pirates went to their shock troopers in clawing their way back from double-digit deficits.
Renz Villegas and Jonathan Daileg came off the bench in firing 18 and 10 points, respectively, while Neil Moralejo came out of nowhere by nailing the dagger triple with five seconds to go.
“I give credit to my second team, sila talaga bumuhay samin,” said LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan.
The win sent the Pirates to joint fifth with the Altas with a 4-4 mark apiece.
Games Friday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
12 noon — AU vs CSB
2:30 p.m. — JRU vs EAC
