Mapua’s JC Recto during Game 1 of the NCAA Season 100 Finals against Benilde.–NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Mapua found itself back where it once was nearly exactly a year ago.

The Cardinals moved a win away from ending a 33-year title drought, beating the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 84-73, in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball Finals on Sunday.

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The celebration, however, was subdued as Mapua headed back to the dugout without much emotion. After all, the Cardinals were in the same situation in the Season 99 Finals and went on to lose to the San Beda Red Lions.

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With that in mind, Mapua forward JC Recto hopes lighting doesn’t strike twice for the Cardinals.

“We can’t repeat what happened last season,” said Recto in Filipino.

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“It’s a different kind of pain when you lose Games 2 and 3 in the Finals because we did our best but was not enough. As a team, we talked about preventing what happened last season.

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Clint Escamis led the way for Mapua against Benilde with 30 points while Recto added 15 points, three rebounds and two assists off the bench.

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“We know Game 2 won’t be easy. We know Benilde will prepare for us. They won’t give that win easily so we’ll work all week,” Recto said.

“I’m more composed, I want to win more and I have the willingness now. Last year, I gave it my best but it wasn’t enough but this time, I’ll go all out so I don’t regret anything.”

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After learning a valuable lesson from last year’s heartbreak, the Cardinals are determined to finish the job this time in Game 2 on Saturday at the same venue.

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