‘Like a dream’: Emotional Escamis leads Mapua to elusive NCAA title

MANILA, Philippines – Clint Escamis cried tears of joy as Mapua captured the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball throne following a finals sweep of St. Benilde.

It marked the Cardinals’ first championship since 1991, with the school from Intramuros finally getting the job done in its third finals appearance in four seasons.

But apart from ending a decades-long drought, what made the title run sweeter for Escamis were the struggles and heartaches Mapua endured en route to the crown.

“This feels like a dream to me. This is just so surreal to me. I cried because we suffered so much, especially being one game away last year,” said Escamis after the Cardinals’ title-clinching 94-82 win on Saturday, December 7.

“I remembered all the pain and the exhaustion, and it all paid off.”

Escamis and Mapua were also in the finals last season and even won Game 1 against San Beda, only to blow fourth-quarter leads in Games 2 and 3 as they saw the Red Lions bag a record-extending 23rd championship.

That experience left a bitter taste in the mouth for the Cardinals, who refused to settle for another runner-up finish.

Powered by Escamis, adjudged Finals MVP with averages of 24 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals, Mapua picked apart a talented Blazers side led by season MVP Allen Liwag as the Cardinals won Games 1 and 2 by double figures.

“I was in the same position where Benilde is now. San Beda was cutting the net, and this year, it is my turn,” said Escamis.

“Just goes to show that if you put in the work, if you put in the trust in your teammates and the system, and when you have the community behind your back, it makes a difference.”

The title clincher proved that it takes a team effort to win it all.

After shining the brightest in the last two games with a pair of 30-point games, Escamis shared the spotlight with Marc Cuenco, Chris Hubilla, and Lawrence Mangubat as Mapua banked on a balanced attack to finish off Benilde.

Cuenco (19), Escamis (18), Mangubat (17), and Hubilla (15) all scored in twin digits in Game 2.

“The whole team stepped up. Their shots were connecting… and even if they made mistakes, they made up for them,” said Escamis.

Escamis dedicated the win to players and coaches who came before them.

“This is for the past Cardinals, past coaches of the Cardinals, the student body, and the whole Mapua community.” – Rappler.com