Mapua aims to solidify its grip on the second spot as it clashes with resurgent Arellano University in Friday’s resumption of the NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Cardinals have been on a red-hot four-game winning streak that included their most recent victory against the San Beda Lions, the reigning champions, 58-55, Sunday that fortified its grip on No. 2 with a 10-3 record, or just half a game behind the pace-setting College of St. Benilde Blazers (10-2).
There was no coincidence that rookie sensation Chris Hubilla was at the center of the Mapua storm as he averaged 16.25 points, 7.25 rebounds and 3.5 assists during that scintillating stretch.
“Dedicated lang talaga ang buong team manalo,” said Hubilla.
But hurdling AU might be easier said than done as the Chiefs are oozing with confidence after posting their first streak of the season, nailing their second win in a row over the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 66-59, Tuesday.
It was a crucial pair of wins for AU, which improved to 5-8 while resuscitating some life to its dying Final Four hopes.
Maverick Vinoya will be the man to watch for AU after he posted a norm of 17 points in their two wins including a 20-point masterpiece last game.
Chasing Mapua at No. 3 was San Beda, which tackles a gasping San Sebastian College at 2:30 p.m.
The Lions have clung to No. 3 with an 8-5 mark but would be in desperate need of wins since there’s an equally desperate chase pack that included the Letran Knights (7-6), Lyceum of the Philippines U Pirates (6-6) and the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals (6-6).
The Stags have a 3-10 slate.
