NCAA: Mapua claims tie for No. 1 after nipping CSB

Mapua’s Clint Escamis takes the game-winning 3-pointer against Benilde in NCAA Season 100.–NCAA PHOTO

Clint Escamis knocked down the game-winning triple at the buzzer on Sunday to lift Mapua to a 75-73 victory over the College of St. Benilde Blazers and into a tie for top spot of the NCAA Season 100 eliminations.

Now with identical 13-3 records, the Cardinals and the Blazers will be left to contest No. 1 ranking—and the relatively easier Final Four assignment—heading into the homestretch of classification.

And Escamis is looking at that direction already.

San Beda bowed out in the chase for a top two berth after losing to Letran, 75-71, in the other game.

“We will begin scouting our probable opponent (in the semifinal). Whoever it is, we will make sure that we will come in prepared,’’ said Escamis.

Undefeated in the second round with their seventh straight win, the Cardinals will close out against Jose Rizal University and San Sebastian, two squads already out of contention in the Final Four.

Mapua will be closely watching Lyceum and Emilio Aguinaldo College, who could be the Cardinals’ possible foes who are tied for fourth at 8-8.

Defending champion San Beda, safe to say, is the side that any of the top two teams would want to avoid.

The Red Lions are at No. 3 with a 10-6 record and will likely finish at No. 3 and will face the second-ranked squad.