San Beda University missed a lot of shots that doomed its chances against Mapua University in Game 1 of their Season 99 National Collegiate Athletic Association men's basketball tournament best-of-three finals series yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Still, Red Lions coach Yuri Escueta wants his boys to keep shooting.

"We were able to take good open shots but unfortunately, we weren't making our shots compared to our past games," Escueta said following the setback that puts them on the verge of being reduced into a mere footnote in Mapua's feel-good story of finally winning the title after 32 long years.

"I just told them if they have the open shot, be confident and follow your instincts."

Game 1 was truly a game to forget for San Beda.

The Red Lions, who won six straight games to gain the right to face topseed Mapua in the finals, were ice-cold as they hit only five of their 32 attempts from the three-point area.

But they were able to mount a 15-5 rally that turned a huge 48-61 disadvantage into a slim 63-66 deficit in the final minute of action.

Unfortunately for them, Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year frontrunner Clint Escamis found his way to the charity stripe to seal the victory for the Cardinals.

Escueta, who is no stranger to big-time battles during his playing days with Ateneo de Manila University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, said the series is far from over.

He stressed that they make some crucial adjustments at the defensive end, especially now that Mapua was able to adjust to their zone defense.

"We did the zone so it helped us in our defense. But I'm sure Mapua will be ready for that in the next game," Escueta said.

Escueta, an assistant coach for TNT Tropang Giga in the Philippine Basketball Association, added that they will also look at the defensive pattern of Mapua after it limited their star player — Jacob Cortez — to 12 points, all of which came in the second half.

"We're going to view the footage tomorrow and see how they're defending him to see what he needs to do," Escueta said.

With Cortez facing an airtight defense, James Payosing picked up the cudgels, finishing with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Game 2 is set on Sunday while Game 3, if necessary, will be on 17 December.