Mapua’s Clint Escamis soars up for a layup en route to their win against Emilio Aguinaldo College. –NCAA Photo
MANILA, Philippines—With the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament Final Four on the horizon, Mapua played like it was the playoffs and defeated Emilio Aguinaldo College, 83-77, at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.
Clint Escamis, who finished with an all-around outing of 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block, said the Cardinals’ game today was nothing new as they’re treating every game with a Final Four-level of urgency.
“We treat every game as an elimination or Final Four game. We can’t be complacent because all of these teams are strong. Every team is capable [of winning],” said the shifty guard.
The Cardinals, who improved to 11-3, also shot a blistering 46.9 percent shooting clip from the field as a team, compared to the Generals’ lowly 37.1 percent.
“Our mentality and what we always preach is confidence. Even if you’re struggling from the field, if you need to shoot it, gain confidence and shoot it,” explained Escamis.
Warren Bonifacio helped the Cardinals’ cause with 14 points while JC Recto notched a double-double of 12 markers and 10 rebounds for the win.
EAC dropped to 7-7 in the standings despite JP Maguliano’s double-double efforts of with 29 points and 10 boards. Nat Cosejo also had a double-double of his own with 14 markers and 10 rebounds but to no avail.
San Sebastian compounds Letran woes
Earlier, San Sebastian extended Letran’s losing streak to six with a 94-75 drubbing.
The Golden Stags rose to 5-9 behind the efforts of Rafael Are, who finished with 23 points and six assists. Romel Calahat added a 21-point outing for the win. Alex Desoyo and Reggz Gabat, meanwhile, had 13 markers each for San Sebastian.
Jay Garupil was the high point man for the lowly Knights (1-14) with 16 points. Kobe Monje and Rafael Go combined for 26 markers but it was all for naught for the defending champions.