Mapua wins Game 1 vs San Beda, eyes 32-year title drought end

Mapua University and San Beda University are competing in the best-of-three NCAA Season 99 men's basketball finals, with Mapua aiming to end a 32-year championship drought.

The Mapua Cardinals secured a 68-63 victory over the San Beda Red Lions in Game 1, placing them one win away from their first title since 1991.

Key players for Mapua included presumptive MVP Clint Escamis, who scored 18 points despite battling cramps, and Paolo Hernandez, who contributed 16 points and led the team's second-half surge.

Mapua built a significant lead, at one point up by 16 points in the third quarter, but San Beda managed to narrow the gap in the fourth.

Coach Randy Alcantara was unavailable for post-game interviews due to dizziness, with team captain Warren Bonifacio speaking to the media instead.

Bonifacio highlighted their practice focus on defending San Beda's three-point shooting, which proved effective as they limited the Red Lions to only five triples.

Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday, December 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena.