In the third week of NCAA Season 99, Mapua University surged to the top of the standings after taking down two powerhouse squads with a homegrown talent standing out big time in both wins.
Already off to a strong start in his rookie season, Clint Escamis stepped up when the Cardinals needed him the most and posted averages of 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and six steals in their last two games as Mapua improved to 6-1.
The 23-year-old guard dropped 20 points laced by seven rebounds, five assists, and eight steals to steer Mapua to a 77-71 win against defending champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Just a day after his birthday, Escamis capped off the week with another stellar outing in their 87-83 triumph over erstwhile league-leader Lyceum of the Philippines University.
The former Mapua high school standout scattered 20 markers, highlighted by a clutch top-of-the-key dagger triple, together with nine boards, seven dimes, and four swats as they battled the Pirates for the top spot.
For his impressive all-around performances, Escamis was awarded the season's third Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week and the second Cardinal to do so after Paolo Hernandez in Week 2.
Escamis bested EAC’s King Gurtiza, Perpetual’s Jun Roque, Jacob Cortez of San Beda, and Migs Oczon of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde for the weekly honors presented by San Miguel Corporation and backed by minor sponsors Discovery Suites and Jockey.
Escamis said his performance is all about repaying the trust given to him by Mapua.
"Sobrang saya and thankful talaga ako sa opportunity na binigay ni coach Randy (Alcantara) and ni coach Yong (Garcia) sa akin and thank God na pumasok 'yung shot na 'yun," Escamis said.
(I'm happy and thankful for the opportunity Coach Randy and Coach Yong gave me, and thank God that shot went in.)
The 5-foot-11 playmaker knows the job is far from done as he sets his sights on their next games as the Cardinals eye a Final Four return.
"There was a lot of excitement towards this game kasi 'Battle of Intramuros' and battle for number one seed so 'yun talaga, keep on working talaga. But ayun, on to the next,” he beamed.
(There was a lot of excitement towards this game because it's a 'Battle of Intramuros' and the battle for number one seed so we need to keep working. On to the next.)
The Cardinals will next face Arellano University on Wednesday.
—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News
