Rookies JC Recto, Clint Escamis impress as Mapua escapes San Sebastian

Rookies JC Recto and Clint Escamis took turns to lead Mapua University to an 80-70 victory against San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the NCAA Season 99 on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

After Recto carried the load in the first half, veteran big man Warren Bonifacio fueled an 8-0 run to open the third for a 47-36 lead.

Tristan Felebrico then completed a three-point play opportunity to cut the Stags’ deficit to nine, 45-54, but a three-pointer from Marc Cuenco saw the Cardinals enjoying a 57-45 cushion.

Another veteran in Paolo Hernandez caught fire in the payoff period, burying two triples to send Mapua to a 65-51 advantage before the returning Clint Escamis brought them to a 70-53 lead in the final minutes.

The Stags fought back as Romel Calahat and Mark de Leon sliced the gap to single digit, 75-66, before Raymart Escobido made it a 70-77 affair.

Bonifacio, though, came up with a huge three-pointer for another 10-point lead en route to the win.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News