Mapua University’s Clint Escamis. Photo from NCAA Philippines.

MANILA — Clint Escamis' star shone the brightest in Mapua University's triumph over De La Salle-College of St. Benilde in their NCAA Season 100 clash.

The reigning league Most Valuable Player (MVP) drained the biggest shot of the game to lift the Cardinals over the Blazers, 75-73, in their Sunday afternoon faceoff at the San Juan Arena.

Escamis posted a game-high 26 points — three of which came at the final buzzer — together with five assists, four rebounds, and a steal, and this pushed the Intramuros-based team to 13-3 in the team standings, tied with CSB.

Also admirable for the Cardinals was Lawrence Mangubat who had 12 markers (2/3 3pts), and Yam Concepcion who scattered 11 points, five rebounds, three steals, and a block.

After erasing a 54-34 deficit all thanks to their strong showing on both ends of the floor in the third, the Randy Alcantara-mentored squad saw themselves only down by one, 73-72, after a Tony Ynot deuce with still 1:15 on the game clock. 

A turnover by Cuenco in Mapua's next possession gave the Blazers a chance to re-extend their cushion as the game winded down, but Ynot missed his triple, and this is when Escamis eventually took over.

After getting the steal from Allen Liwag, Clint sprinted just in time to make a shot, and he drained a triple from rainbow country at the buzzer to stun the No.1 seed Blazers.

This, in turn, spoiled Liwag's stellar 15-point, 13-rebound with five blocks and three assists, and Ian Torres, Gab Cometa, and Matthew Oli's performances as they each scored 10 markers.

THE SCORES: 

Mapua 75 – Escamis 26, Mangubat 12, Concepcion 11, Cuenco 8, Hubilla 5, Recto 5, Igliane 4, Bancale 4 Fermin 0, Abdulla 0.

St. Benilde 73 – Liwag 15, Torres 10, Cometa 10, Oli 10, Ynot 9, Sanchez 7, Ancheta 5, Eusebio 3, Cajucom 3, Sangco 1, Ondoa 0, Morales 0, Turco 0.

Quarterscores: 16-28, 39-54, 60-63, 75-73.