Mapua star guard Clint Escamis heaped praises on fellow rookie teammate Peter Rosillo for giving San Beda's ace Jacob Cortez a hard time on the floor in Game 1.

The Cardinals inched closer to the NCAA title after escaping the Red Lions, 68-63, last Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Cortez, who was one of San Beda's lethal gunners, was held scoreless in the first half, thanks to Rosillo's suffocating defense that pushed the former to his limits for a game total of 12 points.

“Credit to him kasi na-stop niya si Jacob Cortez no’ng first half, sabi ko sa kanya maging obsessed ka sa kanya [kasi] ikaw ‘yong naka-assign eh,” said Escamis.

“Sabi ko sa kanya na keep working hard and maganda yung game niya today,” he added.

The Surigao del Norte cager gave ample support for the Cardinals on the offensive end after scattering 15 points that went with seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.

With the triumph, Mapua should come as a favorite to win the crown and break its 32-year drought since ruling the tournament in 1991.

Escamis, a frontrunner in the MVP race, would again serve as the Cardinals' primary weapon along with Paolo Hernandez.

But easier said than done, the Red Lions are expected to mount a fightback led by Cortez, Jomel Puno, and James Payosing.