Mapua Cardinals win NCAA men's basketball crown after 33-year wait

The Mapua Cardinals clinched their NCAA Season 100 men's basketball championship with a decisive 94-82 victory over the St. Benilde Blazers on Saturday, December 7.

Clint Escamis led the team with an outstanding performance of 24 points per game in the Finals and was named MVP, dedicating his win to past Cardinals and coaches who paved the way for this historic moment.

Coach Randy Alcantara, who won a championship as both a player and coach, celebrated Mapua's first title since 1991 by overcoming a decades-long drought with a team that displayed grit and tenacity reminiscent of the 1991 squad.

Marc Cuenco contributed with 19 points, while rookie players like Chris Hubilla, Lawrence Mangubat, and Yam Concepcion played vital roles throughout the season, helping to secure Mapua's first championship since Season 67 in 1991, breaking their 33-year drought and securing their sixth title.

Coach Alcantara credited his team’s hunger and dedication for this historic achievement and noted that Mapua is well-equipped with future stars like Cyrus Cuenco and JC Recto.