The Mapua Cardinals capped off their centennial celebration with a monumental achievement, clinching the NCAA men’s basketball championship with a decisive 94-82 victory over the College of St. Benilde Blazers. The win secured a sweep of the best-of-three finals series and ended a 33-year title drought for the Cardinals, last crowned champions in 1991.
Smart Araneta Coliseum was awash in yellow and red as the Mapua faithful celebrated the culmination of a 12-game winning streak, including an undefeated second round in the eliminations. Coach Randy Alcantara, himself a champion with Mapua in 1991, and his team were overcome with emotion, finally laying to rest past heartbreaks from runner-up finishes in Seasons 97 and 99.
Season 99 Finals MVP Clint Escamis led the charge, averaging 24.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 4.0 steals in the finals. Although he contributed 18 points in Game 2, it was Mapua’s depth, with standout performances from Cy Cuenco (19 points), Lawrence Mangubat (17 points), and Rookie of the Year Chris Hubilla (15 points, 8 rebounds), that sealed the deal.
As Mapua celebrates its championship, the next question looms large: Is it time for Clint Escamis to go pro? With back-to-back standout seasons and a Finals MVP award under his belt, Escamis has solidified his position as one of the most talented guards in the collegiate ranks. If he enters the 2025 PBA Draft, he is projected to be a top-8 pick, thanks to his scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and defensive tenacity. For Escamis, the transition to the pros could be the logical next step to further his career.
The Blazers, who dominated the eliminations as the No. 1 seed, saw their championship aspirations slip away, largely due to costly turnovers. Despite valiant efforts from Justine Sanchez (24 points, 9 rebounds) and Season MVP Allen Liwag (14 points, 10 rebounds), the team fell short. This marks Benilde’s second finals loss in three seasons, underscoring the need for adjustments in high-stakes scenarios.
As Mapua basks in its historic victory, fans now turn their attention to Escamis' next move and whether the Cardinals can sustain their dominance in NCAA Season 100.
Comments
Post a Comment