But despite the star sophomore averaging just nine points and seven rebounds, the Dolphins managed to win all three.
It makes people wonder then how much better PCU can get if Espinas were playing full throttle.
"Medyo nag-a-adjust pa kasi tayo sa umpisa," Espinas said. "Pero ngayon bumalik na rin gamay natin kaya sana magtuluy-tuloy ang ganitong laro ko."
And on Monday, Espinas proved his game was back after he shredded JRU for a season-high 27 points to go with 18 rebounds.
Last Friday, he had 11 points and a team-high 12 rebounds to carry PCU past Mapua in a close-shave victory.
The Dolphins are now 5-0 and share top billing with the Letran Knights. And going deeper into the tournament, PCU knows it has a dependable Espinas back to his old MVP self — as proven in his Player of the Week caliber play last week.
"Last year walang pressure yung team kasi walang umasa na magcha-champion kami. Pero ngayon laging ikaw ang gustong talunin ng kalaban kaya dapat simula ngayon 100 percent na lagi ang ibibigay mo."