Mapua eyes NCAA Final Four slot against Lyceum

Games on Tuesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
11 a.m. – Mapua vs LPU
2:30 p.m. – San Beda vs JRU

MAPUA University shoots for at least a playoff for a Final Four berth while Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) eyes to reclaim a piece of No. 4 as they battle each other on Tuesday in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The Cardinals have been on a tear as of late, rampaging with four straight wins that they capped with a vengeful 58-55 victory over the San Beda University Red Lions, the defending champions, last Oct. 20 that kept them at No. 2.

They trail the College of St. Benilde Blazers, the league leaders with an 11-2 mark.

The Pirates though are fighting for their Final Four lives and should make it tough for the Cardinals.

At present, LPU is at fifth with Emilio Aguinaldo College with a 6-7 record apiece.

A victory in their 11 a.m. duel would send the Pirates back inside the magic four where they will join the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights (7-7).

Mapua is expected to draw strength from rookie of the year candidate Chris Hubilla, who has been on a roll in that four-game streak where he averaged around 16 points, seven boards and four assists.

San Beda, at No. 3 with an 8-5 slate, tangles with Jose Rizal University (4-9) at 2:30 p.m. — Joey Villar