Game today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

1 p.m. — Awarding Ceremony

2:30 p.m. — Mapua vs Saint Benilde

Mapua University’s 33-year wait for a title could end Saturday as it takes on College of Saint Benilde in Game 2 of Season 100 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tipoff is at 2:30 p.m. with the Cardinals eyeing a sweep of the best-of-three championship series and clinch their sixth NCAA title in history.

Mapua took Game 1 last Sunday, 84-73, behind the efforts of reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Clint Escamis, who fired 30 points.

Like last year, the Cardinals had a 1-0 lead in the series but lost the next two games against San Beda University.

Still reeling from that stinging loss, Escamis said they can’t afford to lower their guards as the Blazers are expected to stage an all-out assault.

“We didn’t win a championship in Game 1 last year. So, job’s not finished,” Escamis said.

“You don’t win a championship by yourself. It takes team effort and chemistry,” he added.

Rookie big man Chris Hubilla said he and Andre Igliane have to be on their toes as they try to contain MVP frontrunner Allen Liwag inside the shaded area.

“We’re really tired because it’s not easy to defend against Liwag. We need to get him out of the paint,” said Hubilla who finished with nine points and nine rebounds the last time.

“Andre (Igliane) and I are the ones in charge so that we can limit Liwag. Liwag is not easy to control.”

Stopping Liwag, however, will be easier said than done.

The transferee from Emilio Aguinaldo College scored 18 points and 14 rebounds in Game 1 despite the loss and is expected to be Saint Benilde’s anchor as they try to force a winner-take-all on Game 3 on 14 December also at the Big Dome.

Yet for Blazers head coach Charles Tiu, it’s going to take more than Liwag’s efforts for them to try and get Game 2.

Tiu said they need to take care of the ball more after committing 23 turnovers in Game 1 while also try to limit Escamis’ production.

“We need to play better and take care of the ball. Allen was good and I’m sure he will be better,” Tiu said.

“I hope there will be a crowd.”

For the Blazers to get extra motivated, Tiu said Sunday Salvacion, a member of the 2000 Blazers champion team, and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz dropped by during their training.

“Sunday Salvacion gave a message to them. Hidilyn Diaz also,” Tiu said.

Tony Ynot has also vowed to put the cuffs on Escamis in Game 2 as they try to end the Blazers’ 24-year search for an NCAA title.

“We need to learn his moves because he’s really good. Maybe when it comes to training, we’ll think about how to defend and stop him,” Ynot said.

Before the hostilities start, an awarding ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. to honor the top individuals in Season 100.