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| After 33 years, Mapua reclaimed the NCAA title. NCAA |
MANILA—After over three decades of frustrations, Mapua is back on top of the NCAA.
The Cardinals reclaimed the men's basketball championship they last won in 1991 after drubbing the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 94-82, in Game 2 of the finals on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Defense dictated the tempo for Mapua as it held CSB to only 14 points in the second quarter and 19 in the third while keeping its offense consistent all game long.
Cyrus Cuenco provided much help to eventual Finals MVP Clint Escamis with 19 points, two rebounds, four assists, and three steals to lead the Cardinals, who won their sixth NCAA men's basketball title overall tying the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers for the fifth most ever.
Escamis added 18 points, one rebound, four assists, and three steals as Mapua finally won it all after three tries in the last four seasons.
Justine Sanchez put up 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals for the Blazers, whose title drought continues after getting swept in their second finals appearance in the last three years.
Allen Liwag, who was named the season MVP, chipped in 14 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and two blocks.
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