Published October 12, 2025 8:41pm

Updated October 12, 2025 8:41pm

Mark Esperanza drained two clutch free throws to cap off his stellar debut for San Sebastian College-Recoletos, powering a 72-71 escape against Mapua University in the NCAA Season 101 on Sunday. 

Esperanza, a former Adamson University standout in the UAAP, hauled down the defensive rebound and quickly pushed the ball to their court, drawing a crucial foul on Froilan Reyes with just two seconds remaining in the fourth. 

He calmly sank both free throws to lift the Staglets to their first win of the season.

Esperanza, who missed the squad’s first three outings that resulted in losses, put together with 23 points laced with six rebounds, four assists, and two steals as they improved to 1-3 in Group A. 

The 18-year old Esperanza missed the three games as he was suspended for playing in another league just before the season started.

Browyn Tepan and JC Ynot chipped in 13 and 11 markers apiece as they snapped Mapua’s two-game winning streak as the Red Robins dropped to 2-2.

Kean Dungca led Mapua with 19 points together with eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals while Jhillian Palis chipped in 15 markers. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News