Mapua University will look to bolster its hold of the solo second spot when it takes on slumping Lyceum of the Philippines University on Tuesday in NCAA Season 100.
The rampaging Cardinals (10-3) put their four-game winning streak on the line in their 11 a.m. encounter against the Pirates (6-7) while defending champion San Beda University will look to rediscover its winning ways in its 2:30 p.m. collision against Jose Rizal University.
Mapua has been on a roll ever since the start of the second round, outclassing JRU, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran while also escaping the Red Lions in their second round rematch last October 20.
Eyes are now on rookie sensation Chris Hubilla, who has been a revelation in their past two games, where he dropped all-around numbers to supply the help to reigning MVP Clint Escamis and other key cogs in Cyrus Cuenco, Lawrence Mangubat, and Yam Concepcion.
A win by Mapua, which is looking to complete a redemption arc following a finals heartbreak last year, will put them at a more comfortable position to book one of the twice-to-beat slots.
However, the Pirates are out to repeat over the Cardinals after having won over the latter in the first round, 96-81, behind the 25-point explosion from John Barba.
LPU is tipped to still miss the services of JM Bravo but will have team captain Greg Cunanan back from a one-game suspension as they eye to halt a two-game slide.
In the second game, San Beda is hoping to bounce back from a narrow 58-55 loss to Mapua and improve their chances for at least playoff for fourth.
Good thing for the Red Lions is they are coming off a one-week break, giving the wards of head coach Yuri Escueta fresh legs and a rejuvenated mindset in their match against the Heavy Bombers.
They will, however, miss big man Bismarck Lina, who will serve a one-game ban following a disqualifying foul during their game against Mapua.
JRU, for its part, is high in morale right now after pulling off a massive 90-86 upset against Final Four contender Letran last Saturday where Mart Barrera introduced himself with a career 22-point showing together with Joshua Guiab's 19 markers, four rebounds, and three assists.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
