Ex-UE players Clint Escamis, Harvey Pagsanjan relish NCAA showdown

Mapua Cardinals’ Clint Ecsamis against EAC Generals’ Harvey Pagsanjan during an NCAA Season 100 game. –NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Mapua and Emilio Aguinaldo College’s clash had some colorful stories surrounding it but none more thematic than the showdown of two former University of the East swingmen.

At San Juan Arena on Wednesday, former Red Warriors Clint Escamis and Harvey Pagsanjan went head-to-head for the first time after departing UE, which once served as their launchpad for their respective collegiate basketball careers.

“It feels so good to play against him now because when we were in UE, we struggled and we didn’t know much about ourselves,” said Pagsanjan in Filipino after Emilio Aguinaldo College’s loss to Mapua.

READ: NCAA: San Sebastian escapes Lyceum, rookie helps Mapua past EAC

“Now, he’s reunited with his old coach, so have I so we talk constantly and it feels nice that we get to do what we’ve always wanted to do,” added the athletic guard.

However, it was Escamis and the Cardinals who one-upped Pagsanjan and the Generals, 69-66.

But despite Escamis rising above the occasion over his former teammate, it seemed like both guards shared the same sentiments at the end of the game.

“It really feels nice to face him in his new home in EAC. I’m happy that he fit in the system and he showed up great earlier,” said the Season 99 Rookie-MVP.

READ: Harvey Pagsanjan leaves UE to turn pro, joins Nueva Ecija in MPBL

“Actually, Harvey and I already clicked with each other way before, on and off the court. Of course, there are other factors in the UAAP with foreign imports but now, I’m so happy for him and wish him all the best,” added Escamis.

Pagsanjan top-scored for EAC with 14 points and seven rebounds on a 46.2 percent shooting clip.

Escamis, meanwhile, did a little bit of everything with 10 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals in the win.

Those and, of course, a few banters here and there.

READ: Clint Escamis opens Season 100 with customized Book 1

“We scored on each other earlier and there were some playful banters… I’ll message him later to make him remember that I scored on him,” said Escamis in jest.

Pagsanjan, of course, didn’t really mind the few teases, and that speaks about the bond that both players have as brothers.

“There were lots of trash talks but that’s just inside the court because outside, Clint is really like my brother,” said the now-EAC standout.