THE Cardinals hummed a sweet tune on Saturday.
Mapua University downed College of Saint Benilde, 94-82, to end its 33-year title drought in Game 2 of the NCAA 100 men’s basketball tournament best-of-three finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After a heartbreaking loss last season against San Beda University, Mapua completed its redemption in the historic centennial year of the league.
The Cardinals made it rain inside the Big Dome, making 40 percent of their three-point shots, while the Blazers struggled to find their rhythm from beyond the arc with a 33.3 percent shooting clip.
NCAA 100 Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Clint Escamis sat out the third quarter but showed that he is a force to be reckoned with as he still managed 18 points, four assists and three steals.
“This moment is super real, and I thank God. I wanted this so badly, and ever since last year when I witnessed the cutting of the net, and now I am the one who is cutting the net. After 33 years, Mapua, this is ours,” said Escamis.
“We did it. Job is finished. Redemption tour is complete.”
Escamis made a triple in the last four minutes of the fourth quarter, 82-66, to allow the Cardinals to hold their biggest lead.
Benilde struggled to recover from Mapua’s established scoring margin despite the efforts of Tony Ynot and Justine Sanchez in the last two minutes of the frame, 82-72, where they trimmed the lead to 10.
With both teams already in the penalty, Mapua played smart and fished for more fouls to have a trip on the charity stripe.
With a comfortable 91-79 lead and just 46.79 seconds remaining, emotions ran high on Mapua’s bench as they anticipated their imminent championship victory.
Marc Cuenco led the Cardinals with 19 points, while Lawrence Mangubat and Chris Hubilla contributed 17 and 15 points, respectively, to support the Finals MVP.
Benilde was led by Justine Sanchez who made 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Season MVP Allen Liwag churned out a double-double performance of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Winston Ynot added 17 points.
Despite these high-scoring numbers from Benilde’s gunners, their 20 turnovers punished them, as Mapua only committed 11.
The last time Mapua won the championship was on Oct. 16, 1991, against San Beda University when head coach Randy Alcantara was still playing.
“The team, they were so hungry. Of course, it was 33 years. I always told them to remain hungry in the game. The hustle, the heart, and grit are there, that is the reason why we got the championship,” Alcantara said.
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