Mapua University drew first blood in the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball finals against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde last Sunday as they took Game 1, 84-73.
On Saturday, the Cardinals hope to end their 33-year title drought.
Leading the Intramuros-based squad is reigning Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis who erupted for 30 points in the best-of-three series opener.
While a title is just a win away from the Cardinals, Escamis knows that they should not celebrate just yet.
"Siyempre marami akong natutunan since last year. You don't win a championship in Game 1, knowing that from last year. So, job's not finished," Escamis said.
The Mapua star is also wary that the Blazers will focus on him, especially after his explosive outing.
"Siyempre, i-expect ko 'yung game plan nila towards sa'kin, lalong mahigpit 'yung defense. So for me, kailangan ko [to] make the right reads in the right situations, involve my teammates kasi big part din 'yun eh. Hindi ka mananalo ng championship ng isa lang. It takes a team effort talaga and team chemistry," he added.
The Blazers, on the other hand, hope to bounce back and force a decider.
For MVP frontrunner Allen Liwag, Game 1 should serve as a wakeup call for the Blazers who also hope to end a 24-year title drought.
"Wala eh, sobrang daming turnovers. ‘Yun ‘yung nagpatalo sa amin. Tinalo lang namin ‘yung sarili namin kasi ‘yun nga, sabi ni coach na hindi namin iningatan ‘yung bola. ‘Yun ‘yung storya ng laro," Liwag said after Game 1.
Game 2 of the finals will be played on Saturday, 2:30 p.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. This will be aired live on GTV and Heart of Asia and will be streamed on NCAA Philippines and GMA Sports' social media channels.
Before this, the top performers of the tournament will be recognized in the awarding ceremony at 1 p.m.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
