MAPUA aims to plant one foot to the Final Four, while Lyceum of the Philippines University hopes to reclaim its place inside the magic four as the two collide today in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Cardinals have been on a roll as they racked up four straight victories including a 58-55 win over the San Beda Lions, the reigning champions, last Oct. 20 that kept it perched at No. 2 with a 10-3 card.
A win over the Pirates in their 11 a.m. encounter would seal it at least a playoff for a semis slot and closer to the pace-setting College of St. Benilde Blazers (11-2).
For LPU, which is currently at No. 5 with Emilio Aguinaldo College on 6-7 cards, it will shoot for nothing less than a triumph that will send it back inside the top four alongside Letran (7-7).
The Cardinals should rely anew on rookie sensation Chris Hubilla, who has been sensational in that four-game streak as he averaged 16.25 points, 7.25 rebounds and 3.5 assists in that scintillating span.
“Dedicated lang talaga buong team manalo,” said Hubilla.
San Beda, at solo third with an 8-5 slate, eyes to keep its place there as it tangles with Jose Rizal U at 2:30 p.m.
The Bombers kept their Final Four aspirations alive after pulling the rug from under the Letran Knights, 90-86, Saturday and improved to 4-9.
Mart Barrera should be the man to watch after a career 22-point effort last game while skipper Joshua Guiab should remain the team’s steadying presence after he scored 19 points including 10 from the line.
Games Tuesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
11 a.m.- Mapua vs LPU
2:30 p.m.- San Beda vs JRU
