Mapua University capped its dominant second-round campaign with a 75-69 victory over a resilient Arellano University squad on Saturday in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Rookie standout Chris Hubilla and Clint Escamis led the charge for the Cardinals, each scoring 12 points, while Marc Cuenco added 11.
The victory completed Mapua’s remarkable nine-game sweep of the second round, solidifying their spot at the top of the standings with a 15-3 record.
This achievement earned Mapua a Final Four matchup against Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), which secured the fourth seed with a 10-8 record.
The semifinal clash is set for Saturday, also at the Cuneta Astrodome, where the Cardinals need just one win to book a ticket to the best-of-three championship series.
Mapua is eyeing redemption after falling one victory short of ending their 33-year title drought last season, losing to eventual champions San Beda Red Lions.
However, Cardinals head coach Randy Alcantara remains focused on the immediate task at hand.
“Pahinga muna, and siyempre LPU maganda panalo nila. Final Four preparation dapat double, triple effort, and as much as possible, fresh legs,” said Alcantara, emphasizing the importance of rest and preparation for the crucial stage ahead.
The victory also allowed Mapua to avoid a potential semifinal clash with San Beda, which is locked in as the third seed regardless of the outcome of its game against San Sebastian.
Meanwhile, College of St. Benilde, finishing second with a 14-4 record, faces the daunting challenge of taking on the defending champions in the semifinals.
Arellano wrapped up their season with a 7-11 record, showing flashes of competitiveness but falling short against the league’s elite teams.
The Cardinals now turn their attention to their bigger battles, aiming to complete their unfinished business and bring the championship back to Intramuros.
The Scores:
First Game
Mapua 75- Hubilla 12, Escamis 12, Cuenco 11, Recto 8, Garcia 8, Mangubat 7, Concepcion 6, Bancale 5, Igliane 3, Jabonete 3, Fermin 0, Abdulla 0
Arellano 69- Geronimo 15, Ongotan 13, Capulong 10, Hernal 10, Borromeo 7, Miller 3, Camay 3, Vinoya 2, Abiera 2, Rosalin 2, Espiritu 0, De Leon 0, Libang 0, Estacio 0
Quarterscores: 22-10, 34-24, 57-44, 75-69
