NCAA: Now is ‘perfect’ time for Mapua to win title, says Escamis

Mapua guard Clint Escamis during an NCAA Final Four game against Lyceum.–NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Last year, Mapua missed its chance to break a 32-year title drought after losing to San Beda in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball Finals.

The Cardinals on Saturday booked a return ticket to the championship round and this time, reigning MVP Clint Escamis believes winning the crown now is “perfect timing.”

But 33 is enough years of waiting, according to Clint Escamis, who powered Mapua back to the Finals after defeating Lyceum, 89-79, in the Season 100 Final Four at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay on Saturday.

READ: NCAA: Mapua back in finals behind Clint Escamis’ career game

“Each year that passes, the drought got longer but I think 33 is really enough for it to end,” said Escamis after leading Mapua past Lyceum, 89-79, in the Final Four at Cuneta Astrodome.

“We got to the Finals a lot in the last decade but now should be our time. [It’s] perfect timing.”

Escamis played the best offensive game of his career, scoring 33 points on top of four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.

READ: Past lesson will guide Mapua as Final Four top seed

Mapua will face the winner between College of St. Benilde and San Beda in a best-of-three title series. If Escamis will have his way, he prefers a finals rematch against the Red Lions.

“If we do face San Beda, we’ll be hoping to win because we lost to them last year and I think that could be the cherry on top,” Escamis said.

“I’m rooting for anyone but I have friends in San Beda so I want to root and compete with them in the Finals again.”