DEFENDING champion Mapua continued its fine start in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament following its victory over Arellano at San Juan Arena on Saturday.

This, after the Cardinals won their season-opening assignment over Lyceum on Wednesday.

In that win versus the Pirates, Clint Escamis struggled with just eight points before fouling out in the fourth quarter of their 90-89 win in double overtime.

Against the Chiefs, the Season 100 Finals MVP returned to form and finished with 29 points to go along with three rebounds, three assists and three steals to match.

“Gusto ko lang talaga makabawi from that game na ‘yon,” Escamis said.

“I know my teammates got my back but I know I still needed to perform today, lead and facilitate for the team to serve as a good example.”

Helping Escamis on offense for the Cardinals were Cyrus Cuenco, Cyril Gonzales and Cyrus Nitura, who scored 14, 12 and 10 points, respectively.

The Chiefs began their season with a close defeat but not without the efforts of Basti Valencia and Renzo Ablera, who scored 13 and 12 markers to their names.

The scores:
MAPÚA (90) – Escamis 29, Cuenco 14, Gonzales 12, Nitura 10, Sapasap 9, Reyes 5, Concepcion 5, Lazarte 4, Recto 2, Gulapa 0, Igliane 0, Delos Reyes 0, Ryan 0
ARELLANO (87)  – Valencia 13, Abiera 12, Hernal 11, Ongotan 10, Libang 10, Camay 8, Cabotaje 6, Borromeo 5, Vinoya 4, Geronimo 4, Demetria 4, Acop 0, Buenaventura 0, Miller 0

Quarterscores: 20-22, 46-51, 67-64, 90-87.