The Mapua Cardinals achieved a historic milestone in Season 100, securing their first championship title since 1991 and cementing their place as one of the top teams in NCAA basketball history. With experienced leadership, emerging stars, and strategic coaching, the Cardinals soared to glory.
ELIMINATION ROUND
The Cardinals set the tone early with a stellar 15-3 record in the elimination round, finishing as the top seed among 10 teams. Their consistent performances highlighted their depth and balance, with multiple players stepping up in crucial moments. While they are seen as contenders with most of their players returning to end their championship curse, this is Alcantara's first season without his NCAA Juniors duo of Warren Bonifacio and Paolo Hernandez. Their top-seed finish earned them a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
FINAL FOUR
In the semifinals, the Cardinals faced the Lyceum Pirates, utilizing their twice-to-beat advantage to dispatch their opponents in a single game. Clint Escamis led the way with his scoring and defensive tenacity, while rookie sensation Chris Hubilla made his presence felt in the paint. The victory showcased their poise under pressure and readiness for the finals.
FINALS
The championship series against the Benilde Blazers was a masterclass in basketball excellence. The Cardinals swept the series 2-0, with Clint Escamis delivering Finals MVP-worthy performances. After scoring 33 points in their Final Four game against LPU, Escamis continued his offensive onslaught in Game 1 with 30 points. His scoring, leadership, and clutch plays were instrumental in securing the title as evident in their Game 2 title clincher when cramps got the better of him. Hellbent on winning the title, Escamis watched as Marc Cuenco, JC Recto, Lawrence Mangubat, and Hubilla struck bomb after bomb to finish off the Blazers. Coach Randy Alcantara’s defensive schemes also significantly neutralized Benilde’s key players who had to rely heavily on their lone bright spot that game, Justine Sanchez.
The championship win ended the Cardinals' 34-year title drought.
MAPUA CARDINALSÂ
SEASON 100 IN REVIEW:
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FINAL RANK | CHAMPIONÂ
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ELIMINATION ROUND | 15-3 (1 OF 10)
FINAL FOUR | DEFEATED LPU (TWICE-TO-BEAT)
FINALS | DEFEATED BENILDE, 2-0Â
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AWARDS
MYTHICAL FIVE | CLINT ESCAMIS Â
FINALS MVP | CLINT ESCAMIS
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR | CHRIS HUBILLA
COACH OF THE YEAR | RANDY ALCANTARA
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LEAGUE LEADERS
3-POINT FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE | MARC CUENCO – 43.62%
The good news for Mapua is that Clint Escamis is coming back for his final year. However, he’ll be returning without key teammates Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat, as well as assistant coach Nani Epondulan—all of whom have moved to the JRU Heavy Bombers.
Even so, the Cardinals are set to go all out in their title defense, and I expect the rest of the team to step up and fill the gaps.