MVP, champ Escamis suffers miserable NCAA career end; Benilde dethrones Mapua

MANILA, Philippines – A storybook ending in NCAA men’s basketball just had itself a bewilderingly messy epilogue as the College of St. Benilde Blazers dethroned the Mapua Cardinals, 74-72, in Game 2 of the Season 101 men’s basketball quarterfinals on Friday, November 28.

Season 99 MVP and Season 100 Finals MVP Clint Escamis thrust himself into a dubious spotlight after recording just 3 points on 0-of-6 shooting and 3-of-6 free throws in 25 minutes before being ejected for a disqualifying foul with 9 minutes left in a winnable fourth quarter.

Prior to what would be his final collegiate game, Escamis also had a forgettable first outing with 2 points on a 0-of-10 stinker from the field and just 2-of-5 from the charity stripe despite the Cardinals blowing out the twice-to-beat Blazers, 73-58.

All in all, the Mapua captain had a hand in sinking the ship with horrendous averages of 2.5 points per game on 0-of-16 shooting, 5-of-11 from the line, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in around 23.5 minutes of action.

The Cardinals’ quarterfinals ouster marked the first time a reigning champion failed to reach the semifinals or Final Four since the Letran Knights bottomed out with a 2-16 Season 99 record in 2023.

In Mapua’s stead, St. Benilde marched on to its fifth straight Final Four appearance and will look to clinch its third finals appearance in five years.

Raffy Celis posted a game-high 18 points in the clincher with 5 rebounds and 3 assists off the bench. Tony Ynot added 11 points, 6 boards, 5 dimes, 1 steal, and 1 block, and reigning league MVP Allen Liwag made the most of his 22-minute leash with 9 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal.

The Blazers will face familiar foe San Beda in a best-of-three semifinals series on Tuesday, December 2, 2:30 pm, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Resurgent Letran returns to Final Four as Arellano blows twice-to-beat shot

In the other semifinals bracket, the Perpetual Help Altas will face resurgent Letran, which stunned twice-to-beat Arellano out of contention with a 77-69 Game 2 ouster Friday afternoon.

Veteran gunner Jimboy Estrada led all scorers with 19 points on 3-of-4 shooting from three to go with 5 rebounds and 3 assists, while big man Kevin Santos churned out 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

Sensational guard Titing Manalili only had 3 points on a 0-of-5 clip, but salvaged his line as he always does with a game-high 12 assists, plus 4 boards and 3 steals.

Chiefs top dog T-Mc Ongotan went down swinging in the sorry loss with 23 points in 37 out of 40 minutes, after dropping 18 points in 32 minutes in an 87-78 Game 1 defeat. – Rappler.com