MAPUA University star and reigning MVP Clint Escamis is convinced the Cardinals have what it takes to reach the Promised Land.
“Feel ko the level of maturity and the level of composure this team has and lalo na alam ng coaches iyon na anything can happen,” Escamis said.
“We’re gonna be prepared for whatever comes on Saturday and we’re not gonna celebrate until that last buzzer,” he added.
The Intramuros-based crew is looking to dodge deja vu from last season where it lost to San Beda University in the Big Dance despite winning the finals opener.
The Cardinals seek to sweep the best-of-3 titular showdown on Saturday, Dec. 7, when they clash anew with the College of St. Benilde Blazers in Game 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Mapua won the series opener 84-73 last Sunday to move within a win of ending a long and agonizing 33-year title dry spell.
The 5-foot-11 Escamis spearheaded the Cardinals’ charge with 30 points, following up his career-high 33 markers set in the semifinals last month.
“It just came naturally lang talaga iyong scoring kasi, when I was hitting my shots noong mga una pa lang, sabi ko, okay, ah. So iyon, naging more aggressive talaga ako since mataas iyong confidence ko, and since that career-high noong semis,” Escamis said.
“So, iyon, dinala ko lang ‘yung tamang mentality and ‘yung mga preparation ko lang to this game. So, yun, nag-result din.”
Escamis, 24, has no problem with not taking home a second straight MVP award as long as Mapua wins it all.
Back in the eliminations, Escamis averaged 15.44 points per game, 4.0 assists, and 1.89 steals he upped to 31.5 points per game in the postseason for the Cards.
“Okay lang kahit hindi ako mag-MVP, basta makuha ko iyong championship this year. Iyon lang talaga iyong nasa utak ko like okay lang kahit di mag-back-to-back MVP, basta champion ako,” he said.
“Kasi kapag MVP ako tapos sa talo, wala, ako lang masaya. Kapag champion, isang buong community, mga students na tatay na ngayon, siyempre mapapatuwa ko and iyon talaga ang goal.”
