Mapua sweeps Benilde to win NCAA Season 100 title
Mapua finally won another NCAA title in men’s basketball after 33 years of waiting.
The Cardinals overcame the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 94-82, in Game 2 of their best-of-three finals series to win their first championship since 1991.
The victory was a fitting gift for the university, which will mark its 100th year anniversary in January 2025.
In the first quarter, Benilde started the game with a 7-0 run, but their turnovers started to pile up resulting in a one-point advantage for Mapua after the period.
During the second quarter, Mapua had a 21-14 advantage as they took a 12-point lead before halftime.
The Cardinals poured 8-of-16 from the rainbow country in the second half to establish their authority and finally grabbed the championship after the final buzzer sounded.
As the tears flowed on the court, Mapua coach Randy Alcantara, said: "Siyempre, walang kasing sarap. After three tries, yung minimithi namin, finally nakuha namin."
Alcantara was named Coach of the Year, while Mapua main man Clint Escamis was the Finals MVP after averaging 24.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 4.0 steals.
Cy Cuenco top-scored for Mapua with 19 points on 3-of-7 shooting from the arch, while Lawrence Mangubat added 17, and the season’s top rookie, Chris Hubillia shared 15 and eight rebounds.
Meanwhile, Justine Sanchez poured in 24 points, nine boards, five assists and three steals in a losing effort for the Blazers. Tony Ynot also added 17, as Season MVP Allen Liwag had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The scores:
MAPUA 94 - Cuenco 19, Escamis 18, Mangubat 17, Hubilla 15, Recto 9, Igliane 8, Bancale 6, Garcia 2, Concepcion 0, Fermin 0.
BENILDE 82 - Sanchez 24, Ynot 17, Liwag 14, Sangco 7, Oli 7, Torres 5, Ancheta 4, Ondoa 2, Eusebio 2, Cometa 0, Cajucom 0.
Quarter Scores: 24-23; 45-37; 66-56; 94-82.
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