The Mapua Cardinals are getting close to their dream of ending a 33-year wait.
And Clint Escamis’ steady hands and the Cardinals’ outside shooting brought them near their goal, sending the Intramuros team to a 84-73 clobbering of the College of St. Benilde Blazers on Sunday afternoon at the start of the 100th National Collegiate Athletic Association finals at the Araneta Coliseum.
Escamis delivered 30 points in Game 1 of the Cardinals’ best-of-three championship affair with the Blazers.
The 5’11” Escamis, playing above his average of 17.05 points, struck with 22 points in the first half as he led the Cardinals turned a 20-26 deficit in the first period into a 42-37 halftime edge.
Escamis’ split free throw and four-point play with 7:10 left put the Cardinals in the front seat, 36-24, in the second canto.
His drive in the final 22 seconds of the third allowed the Cards to stay ahead, 57-48.
With Allen Liwag making a game-high 18 points and 14 rebounds, the Blazers managed to move within range at 67-74 in the final two minutes of the third period, only to lose steam in the payoff period.
Escamis believes the fight isn’t over yet and this comes from the experience he gained when the Cardinals reached the finals in season 98, but lost to the San Beda Red Lions.
“Marami akong natutunan from the finals, like you don’t win the championship in Game 1. The job is not finished. May kailangan pa kaming tutukan. Sinabi namin sa mga rookies na mag-celebrate muna tonight and then get back to work,” said Escamis.
The Cardinals, who are having their third finals appearance since 2021, also drew 15 points from JC Recto.
They grabbed a 70-59 spread in the remaining 5:18 behind triples from Recto and John Jabonete.
With Chris Hubilla adding nine points, the Cards enjoyed their biggest edge at 14, 62-48, in the 8:23 mark off Jabonete’s driving shot.
The Blazers, who also got 13 points from Gab Cometa, will have a chance to bounce back in Game 2 on Saturday.
