Mapua guard Clint Escamis during an NCAA Final Four game against Lyceum.–NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Last year, Mapua missed its chance to break a 32-year title drought after losing to San Beda in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball Finals.
The Cardinals on Saturday booked a return ticket to the championship round and this time, reigning MVP Clint Escamis believes winning the crown now is “perfect timing.”
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But 33 is enough years of waiting, according to Clint Escamis, who powered Mapua back to the Finals after defeating Lyceum, 89-79, in the Season 100 Final Four at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay on Saturday.
READ: NCAA: Mapua back in finals behind Clint Escamis’ career game
“Each year that passes, the drought got longer but I think 33 is really enough for it to end,” said Escamis after leading Mapua past Lyceum, 89-79, in the Final Four at Cuneta Astrodome.
“We got to the Finals a lot in the last decade but now should be our time. [It’s] perfect timing.”
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Escamis played the best offensive game of his career, scoring 33 points on top of four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
READ: Past lesson will guide Mapua as Final Four top seed
Mapua will face the winner between College of St. Benilde and San Beda in a best-of-three title series. If Escamis will have his way, he prefers a finals rematch against the Red Lions.
“If we do face San Beda, we’ll be hoping to win because we lost to them last year and I think that could be the cherry on top,” Escamis said.
“I’m rooting for anyone but I have friends in San Beda so I want to root and compete with them in the Finals again.”
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