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| Clint Escamis celebrates his game-winner with his teammates. NCAA |
MANILA—Clint Escamis broke the hearts of the College of St. Benilde right at the final horn as he scored the game-winner in Mapua's 75-73 escape act in the NCAA on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Escamis spoiled Justine Sanchez's extra pass to Allen Liwag as Escamis stripped the ball from the cutting Liwag, dribbled all the way past the halfcourt line, and launched a Hail Mary shot that swooshed through the net just as the clock read zeroes.
The buzzer-beater capped a 26-point explosion for Escamis with four rebounds, five assists, and one steal as the Cardinals tied the Blazers for first place at 13-3, opening a possibility that a three-way tie could ensue especially if the San Beda Red Lions knock out the Letran Knights later Sunday.
Lawrence Mangubat added 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Liwag scored 15 points with 13 rebounds, three assists, and five blocks for CSB, but his crucial turnover was especially painful.
The scores:
MAPÚA 75–Escamis 26, Mangubat 12, Concepcion 11, Cuenco 8, Hubilla 5, Recto 5, Igliane 4, Bancale 4 Fermin 0, Abdulla 0
ST. BENILDE 73–Liwag 15, Torres 10, Cometa 10, Oli 10, Ynot 9, Sanchez 7, Ancheta 5, Eusebio 3, Cajucom 3, Sangco 1, Ondoa 0, Morales 0, Turco 0
Quarterscores: 16-28, 39-54, 60-63, 75-73
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