Mapua vets Escamis, Recto say 2OT win vs. LPU proves there are no easy games in Group A

Published October 2, 2025 7:35pm

Updated October 2, 2025 7:35pm

NCAA Season 101. October 1, 2025. Clint Escamis (0) and JC Recto (5) with the Mapua Cardinals. (Photo: Thomas Villanueva)

Mapua University faced an early test in its title defense, needing two extra periods to escape with a 90-89 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University in NCAA Season 101 action on Wednesday.

According to veterans Clint Escamis and JC Recto, the hard-fought victory is proof that their Group A bracket is more balanced than many initially thought, defying preseason predictions of clear favorites and underdogs.

Before the season began, many believed the Cardinals had a relatively easy path after being grouped with perceived lower-ranked opponents in Pool A: LPU, Perpetual, San Sebastian, and Arellano.

Group B, by contrast, was dubbed the “Group of Death,” with perennial contenders San Beda, Letran, and Benilde drawn alongside dark horses EAC and JRU.

Still, the Cardinals insisted there would be no easy games, which is a belief reinforced by their tough outing against the Pirates.

“iSyempre in-expect namin na magiging mahirap din ‘yung sa bracket namin. Parang iniisip ng iba na mahina ‘yung ibang teams kuno pero hindi namin pwedeng isipin na mahina kasi ‘yun ‘yung ikakatalo pa namin,” said Recto, who stepped up with 16 points.

“Kung pumasok sa utak namin ‘yung gano’ng mindset.”

In that narrow win over LPU, Escamis experienced firsthand how difficult each game can be. He was held scoreless in the first half and finished with a modest eight points, along with four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. He fouled out with three minutes left in the first overtime, leaving the rest of the team to step up in his absence.

The graduating guard emphasized that their path to a title repeat won’t be easy, especially with every team gunning to take them down.

“‘Yun ‘yung perspective ko, hindi talaga. Para sa akin, walang group b, group a, walang group of death na ‘yan. Lahat tinatrato namin as equal,” Escamis said.

“Nakita naman natin sa LPU. ‘Yung mga predictions nandiyan lang ‘yan pero ‘pag naglaro na, doon makikita.”

—JKC, GMA Integrated News