Cardinals eye first NC title in 33 years

MANILA, Philippines — Clint Escamis and the Mapua Cardinals will try to end the school’s 33-year championship drought when they meet the St. Benilde Blazers today in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 100 finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Cardinals took the series opener, 84-73, last week with Escamis going supernova with a 30-point effort that pushed them on the cusp of their first seniors cage crown since 1991.

If successful, Mapua meets destiny with its sixth NCAA crown.

A decider, if necessary, is slated next Saturday also at the Big Dome.

Escamis said they hope they’ve learned something from the past and not repeat the mistakes of last year when they also took Game 1 before losing to eventual champion San Beda.

“Marami kami natutunan last year. You don’t win a championship in Game One,” said the reigning MVP.

“Depensa pa rin talaga magiging susi,” said Mapua mentor Randy Alcantara.

For CSB coach Charles Tiu, they would need to be tougher to have a chance.

“We had too many turnovers and were too nervous,” said Tiu. “It would really take toughness for us to get back in the series.”

Meanwhile, Liwag is expected to receive his MVP award in simple awarding rites more than an hour before the 2:30 p.m. duel.