From the juniors division to the seniors level, Clint Escamis and Tony Ynot continue to bring out the best in each other.
The latest chapter in their rivalry was Game 1 of the NCAA Season 100 finals last Sunday, when Escamis did it all to steer Mapua University to a convincing 84-73 win against Ynot and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in their best-of-three series.
With Ynot guarding Escamis majority of the game, the reigning MVP admitted it allowed him to elevate his performance further. And that proved to be true with him dropping a 30-point outing — the first by any player in a finals game in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
He also collected four assists and five of their 19 steals to help the Cardinals move a win away from hoisting the trophy they have been longing for 33 years.
"Matagal na rin kaming magkakasama niyan eh nu’ng juniors pa lang. Ngayon sa finals, renewal ng rivalry, especially siya ‘yung bumabantay sa akin kanina and nakakatuwa rin na nagkaabot kami," Escamis told GMA News Online.
"It helps ‘yung career namin both."
After forging a healthy rivalry in the juniors scene, Escamis and Ynot finally met in the seniors division for the first time in NCAA Season 100.
Escamis made his NCAA seniors debut in Season 99, while Ynot was on residency after his transfer from San Beda to Benilde.
Six years ago, Escamis and Ynot collided in the NCAA Season 94 Final Four of the juniors tournament with the latter still suiting up for San Beda University and the former was fueling the Red Robins.
Escamis and Mapua went on winning that series to book a spot in the finals where they overcame the favored La Salle Green Hills to win the title.
Although Escamis wasn't able to fully pour everything in the finals due to an injury, he had his teammates to thank with the likes of Dan Arches, Jonnel Policarpio, and Paolo Hernandez stepping up against the Greenies.
Now in the bigger stage, Escamis and Ynot resume their rivalry with the stakes higher than ever.
"I know naman sobrang galing niya na defender. Doon siya known for and mas nacha-challenge ako doon," Escamis added.
"Ini-scout ko rin ‘yung defense niya and I really do my homework."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
