PULLING THE PLUG — Mapua tries to finish off San Beda for NCAA title

Games today:

(Mall of Asia Arena)

9 a.m. — Saint Benilde vs Lyceum

2 p.m. — Mapua vs San Beda

Mapua University declared its readiness to put an end to its 32-year title drought against College of Saint Benilde in Game 2 of Season 99 National Collegiate Athletic Association men's basketball tournament today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

"We are ready for the worst (scenario)," Cardinals head coach Randy Alcantara said, stressing the team enters Game 2 armed to the teeth.

"Getting Game 2 will be the hardest thing to do," Alcantara, a member of the last triumphant Mapua squad in 1991 alongside Chito Victolero and Benny Cheng, said.

Mapua won the series opener, 68-63, last Wednesday Season 99 Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player frontrunner Clint Escamis leading the way with 18 points.

In 1991, Mapua also beat San Beda for the title and the Cardinals are itching to do it all over again with Escamis showing the way and Warren Bonifacio, Paolo Hernandez and Peter Rosillo to provide solid backup.

Alcantara swears the Red Lions are not handing over the NCAA crown on a silver platter and points to Rosillo as a vital part of the quest to win the title back.

"Peter is smart and he knows his role on the team. He's a brave kid and he's good on defense. Hopefully, we see that again," Alcantara said.

While the Cardinals are out to wrap it all up, the Red Lions are attempting to live another day.

Last time, San Beda was a pitiful 5-of-32 from downtown and is upbeat that their shots would fall in this time.

"I just told the players that I trust them in terms of their decision-making whether when to shoot, when to penetrate, or when to pass. It all depends on the reads of the defensive coverages," said Escueta, who is backed up by veteran collegiate coaches Norman Black and Boyet Fernandez in coaching.

"The team and the coaches are positive. Whatever happens in Game 2, we'll make sure to give our all and fight until the very end."

Escueta, an assistant coach for the TNT Tropang Giga, said the Lions are working on their endgame composure and execution, something that cost them Game 1.

"We're working on our execution in the end, composure and decision-making in terms of shot selection. That's one of the things we have been working on," Escueta said.

Apart from Cortez, Jomel Puno, James Payosing and Yukien Andrada are expected to step up for San Beda.

Meanwhile, the first battle for third place takes place today when College of Saint Benilde takes on Lyceum of the Philippines at 9 a.m.

Blazers head coach Charles Tiu is hard-pressed to produce a win but won't have his this season's top guns — Season 98 MVP Will Gozum and Migs Oczon — to lend a helping hand.

"This is something that I am not used to. It is what it is," Tiu said.

"It's going to be tough. Lyceum has had our number this whole year. They beat us twice but hopefully, despite us missing key guys, third time will be the charm."

No matter how Tiu raves about the Blazers-Pirates showdown, the focus will be on the main event at 2 p.m.