Escamis leads Mapua to NCAA finals return

Clint Escamis scored a career-high 33 points, leading the Mapua Cardinals to an 89-79 victory over the Lyceum Pirates and securing their return to the NCAA finals.

This marks Mapua's third Finals appearance in the past three seasons, seeking redemption after losses in Season 98 and Season 99.

Escamis, the reigning MVP and Rookie of the Year, stated that winning the title now is "perfect timing" to end Mapua's 33-year championship drought.

He scored 8 crucial points in the final period, including a pivotal three-pointer that extended Mapua's lead during their Final 4 faceoff at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Mapua will face College of Saint Benilde in a best-of-three championship series, with Game 1 scheduled for December 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Escamis expressed that the team has learned from last year's defeat and is now mature enough to handle the pressure and win the championship.

He believes their hustle and maturity were evident in their win against Lyceum, with their young players maintaining composure under pressure.