In a game where he registered a new career-high, Clint Escamis was also given a tough task of putting the clamps on Mark Gojo Cruz.
Escamis said part of Mapua University's game plan against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA was for him to defend the rookie Altas guard.
It didn't come easy for Escamis with the 20-year-old Gojo Cruz scattering a team-high 17 points, highlighted by a corner three-pointer he shot above the defense of the reigning Rookie MVP that trimmed Mapua's lead to just two in the final 1:16.
Fortunately for the Cardinals, Jeco Bancale found his touch and knocked a triple of his own to deliver the dagger.
"Siyempre, I watch a lot of film, especially nu’ng game nila against Arellano. Pinanood ko rin ‘yung game namin and nag-scouting kami," Escamis shared on Sunday.
"Wala eh, magaling talaga ‘yung bata. Those tough shots na nakuha niya, especially that one, good defense na ‘yun [from me] and he [still] made it."
In the end, though, Escamis got the better of the prized rookie as Mapua held on to complete a 71-65 win behind a career-high 28-point explosion from him as they improved to 2-1.
The grind out victory also saw Mapua prove it also has talented rookies at its disposal.
First year player Chris Hubilla scored all of his seven points in the payoff period to help their squad outscore Perpetual 21 to 12, while third year Cuenco, whose three-pointer sent them to a 64-62 lead late, tallied 12 markers and six assists.
It was also Cuenco who dished out a perfect pass that led to a Bancale three-pointer.
These, according to Escamis, only show that Mapua has more weapons in its arsenal as the season progresses.
"Sobrang laking bagay para sa kanila kasi sila na ‘yung inaasahan eh, wala ng Paolo Hernandez, wala ng Warren Bonifacio. So ine-encourage ko sila every time na kahit rookies sila, malaki ‘yung role nila sa team," Escamis said.
"And I’m happy na na-provide nila ‘yun today, especially that last shot from Jeco Bancale. Kailangan na kailangan namin ‘yun."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
