In what felt like a must-win situation for Mapúa, the reigning NCAA champions mustered up an important 85-78 victory over EAC on Tuesday, snapping a three-game skid to remain steady at second in Group A. 

The win was a welcome scene for Coach Randy Alcantara and his boys who were spurring to come back from consecutive stumbles in the hands of JRU, Letran, and San Beda.

Clint Escamis finally found his touch after struggling in his past outings, barreling into EAC’s defense and coming up with a best player of the game showing.

The former NCAA Rookie-MVP atoned for his recently abysmal shooting percentage that had tormented his offensive production, coming up big with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.

The Mapua superstar had a decent 7-for-15 field goal shooting and drained 5 of his 6 free throws as he paced the Cardinals to their fourth win in Season 101 against four losses. 

Four Cardinals also scored in double figures to help the cause. 

Former Red Robin Cyril Gonzales chipped in 14 markers off the bench, while athletic wing Yam Concepcion (13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and stretch forward JC Recto (13 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists) had sizeable doleouts for Coach Randy Alcantara. 

Tarlaqueño rookie EJ Sapasap had an all-around showing, collecting 10 points, 5 boards, and 2 dimes in the winning effort. 

Mapúa relied on aggressive play as their relentless activity in the paint paid off with 29 total free throw attempts, resulting in 23 conversions– a clear advantage for the Cardinals compared to EAC’s 12-for-15 FT clip. 

Brianne Angeles towed the Generals with 13 points and 6 boards, while Jude Bagay, Deo Lucero, and EJ Castillo provided 12, 11, and 10 markers respectively. 

Following the win, the defending champs improve to 4-4 as they stand steady at second in Group A, while the Generals dip to 4-5 good for fourth in Group B.