MANILA, Philippines — As they took the first step in their road to victory, the Mapúa University Cardinals finished the first round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 as the second seed with 6-3. The games were held from September 7 to October 8, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, and SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
In their first game of the NCAA Season 100 last September 7 at the MOA Arena, the Cardinals took on the Season 99 third placers, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers. After battling it out neck-and-neck, the Blazers went on a scoring spree in the final quarter for a strong season opener for the team from Taft. They handed the Cardinals an unfortunate loss to start the season, 65-78.
Coming from their first loss, the red and gold did not falter and stood their ground against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals on September 11. Despite the close encounter, rookie Lawrence Mangubat paved the way for the red and gold, knocking in five three-pointers with three rebounds and a steal. The Cardinals entered the win column with 69-66.
On September 15, the Mapúa Cardinals escaped the resilient University of Perpetual Help System DALTA for a nail-biting second win in the first round of the NCAA Season 100, 71-65. With the Altas leading the game and giving up no ground for the gold jerseys, reigning MVP and team captain Clint Escamis powered through in the fourth canto; scoring eight out of his 28 points in the last four minutes for a 13-5 run. Together with Escamis’ 28 points, a career-high in scoring, were two rebounds, two assists, three steals, and a block that led the Cardinals to its second win of the season.
The classic “Battle of Intramuros" was held last September 20 against the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights. Determined to extend their winning streak, the Cardinals guarded the Knights for a dominant 77-62 victory, improving their standing to second place with 3-1. Chris Hubilla with nerves of steel dropped 18 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Cardinals to victory.
For game five of the first round of the NCAA Season 100, the Cardinals faced their neighbors, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates last September 24. The Pirates staged an 11-1 rally at the 1:07 mark, ultimately sealing the win and sinking the Cardinals, giving them their second loss of the season, 81-96.
Maintaining their composure, the Mapúa Cardinals faced the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Stags last September 27. Regaining their groove, the Cardinals took control of the game in the second half with Marc Cuenco leading the way with 26 points. The Stags have not recovered since then, as Escamis and Hubilla also sunk 25 and 12 points respectively. The victory dissolved the bitter loss to the Lyceum Pirates, improving their standings to 4-2 tying them with the University of Perpetual Help System, and the Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
The Mapúa Cardinals remained unfazed following a scare from the Jose Rizal University Bombers last September 29. The JRU Heavy Bombers almost staged a comeback, narrowing the gap to five points, 71-66; but the Cardinals refuted their rally with Escamis leading the charge, which was enough to seal the win for the Intramuros squad, 88-81.
Igniting their winning streak once more, the Cardinals faced head on the gritty Arellano University Chiefs. With the Chiefs’ morale high after their win against the defending champions, San Beda University Red Lions, they were a force to be reckoned with. However, the Mapúa Cardinals shrugged off the adrenaline-pumping clash, breaking free from a major scare from the Chiefs. Clint Escamis led the way for the Cardinals, dropping 15 points together with Hubilla. Cuenco also added 10 markers, improving the Cardinals’ standing to 6-2.
For the final showdown of the first elimination round of the NCAA Season 100, the red and gold bravely took on the defending champions, the San Beda Red Lions at the MOA Arena last October 8. As the two teams rekindled rivalry as the Season 99 Finalists, the match was intense as they reached 53 all in the third canto. Turning the battle into a cardiac match, Red Lion guard Penny Estacio tied the game with a lay-up, forcing the Cardinals to play overtime. The Mendiola squad, led by Yukien Andrada capitalized on the extra period to secure victory over the Mapua Cardinals, 69-76.
The Mapua Cardinals ended Round 1 as the second seed, 6-3, tying with the San Beda University Red Lions. The red and gold now shifts their focus for the second round, as they are determined to earn the twice-to-beat advantage for the NCAA Season 100 Men’s Seniors Basketball playoffs. The games of the second round of the NCAA Season 100 will be held from October 11 to November 13 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. The games will also be aired live on GTV and Heart of Asia (HOA), and live streaming at the official social media platforms of GMA Sports and NCAA Philippines.
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