NCAA: Mapua clinches Final Four spot, twice-to-beat edge

Clint Escamis shoots Mapua to a Final Four spot. –NCAA Photo

MANILA, Philippines—Mapua became the first team to clinch a Final Four spot in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament after dispatching Perpetual Help, 69-53, at San Juan Arena on Wednesday.

Not only did the Cardinals clinch the first ticket to the playoffs with a 13-3 record, but they also locked the twice-to-beat advantage for the playoffs after their fourth straight win.

Like clockwork, Clint Escamis had an all-around game to the tune of 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and six steals on the defensive end. Warren Bonifacio and Jopet Soriano scattered 11 and 10 points en route to the win, as well.

Art Roque turned in a commendable double-double effort of 13 points and 12 boards but to no avail as the Altas got their four-game winning streak snapped. Perpetual dropped to 8-8 for the season but is still alive in the race for a playoff ticket.

San Beda back on track

San Beda’s Yukien Andrada. –NCAA Photo

After suffering from back-to-back losses, San Beda finally got back in the win column after defeating College of St. Benilde, 65-61.

Yukien Andrada did the heavy lifting for the Red Lions with 22 points as they strengthened their bid for a Final Four spot at 9-6. Jacob Cortez was also unselfish with the rock after tallying 15 points and eight assists.

Will Gozum’s 15-point output was put to waste as the Blazers slid to 10-6 for the season. Joshua Cajucom also scored 13 but it was all for naught.