Clint Escamis, one of the defending champion Mapua University Red Robins, was on fire early in the game.
He shot 10 of his game-high 18 points in the first period to help the Red Robins post a 91-75 swamping of the Letran Squires on Tuesday night at the Arena in San Juan.
As he and teammate Jeff Sapinit fell into foul trouble early, other teammates stepped up to help bring the Red Robins to their second straight win in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) junior basketball tournament.
Mike Enriquez, back from injury that recurred during the finals last year, scored all of his six points in the second period.
But that was enough for him, as he and teammates Will Gozum, Erick Jabel and Joaqui Garcia combined for 12 points in the last 10 minutes of the first half.
Their efforts allowed the Red Robins to overcome a 14-17 deficit, and move away 43-30, at the end of the first half.
Their zone defense in the second half picked up.
With Gozum making 5 of 17 points, and hauling down 10 rebounds, the Red Robins went on to post 62-50 spread when the third period ended.
“Maganda iyung dinipensa. Pero sa huli. Hindi kami puedeng magpabaya kasi muntik na kaming habulin,” said Red Robins coach Randy Alcantara.
The Squires played with new coach Raymund Valenzona calling the shots. Valenzona once led the San Sebastian Staglets to the crown back in the days of Ryan Buenafe.
The Squires, who fell behind by as much as 22 points, got 15 points from Neil Tolentino, while Enoch Valdez and Russelle Aniban 13.
Lyceum 94, JRU 87
Batang Gilas standout Mclaude Guadana found his range at endgame and carried the Lyceum Junior Pirates to a 94-87 stopping of the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers.
The 5’11 Guadana’s heroics in the last two minutes gave the Junior Pirates some distance and a chance to pull off their first win in the tournament.
He had 19 points, including 11 points in the last period. With the Light Bombers slightly ahead, Guadana scored from inside a crowded shaded lane at the right side.
This allowed the Junior Pirates to regain the lead, 85-84.
His treys found their mark right after Vincent Cunanan drove in with 1:47 left, and after the Light Bombers bungled two easy shots. “Buti naman nakabawi ako. Nung first to third quarter struggle ako sa laro ko,” said Guadana, who was limited to four points in the third.
Junior Pirates coach LA Mumar said opening-day jitters allowed the Light Bombers to challenge their slim lead and stay close with repeated rallies.
“We play well. Then, we falter. It’s been happening in all quarters. Hopefully, we’ll work on this in future games,” said Mumar.
Kobe Caballero led the Light Bombers with 19 points while John Sicat had 18.
LSGH 64, Perpetual Help 60
Inand Fornillo banged in 22 points for the La Salle Greenhills Greenies as they repulsed the Perpetual Help Junior Altas.
Albert Bordeos, a transferee from San Beda, contributed 14 points, including a two game-winning free throws.
The Junior Altas kept matters tight in the closing second and forced a 60-all tie of John Umali’s basket. Then, their chance to break the tie came following Joel Cagulangan’s charities.
Esvin Inliwan topscored with 15 points for the Junior Altas, while Jielo Razon had 11.