Mapua’s Clint Escamis (left) dribbles around Arellano’s Anthony Borromeo. —NCAA PHOTO

The Mapua Cardinals are determined to rewrite their postseason story after clinching the No. 1 seed in the Final Four of the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament.

With a dominant 15-3 record, they’ve positioned themselves as favorites, but memories of last year’s collapse loom large.

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“We have a deeper lineup compared to last season,” said coach Randy Alcantara after his team outlasted the Arellano Chiefs, 75-69, on Saturday to seal a twice-to-beat edge. “In terms of defense and hustle, this team has the advantage [over our team last season].”

This marks the Cardinals’ third semifinal appearance in four seasons, but the sting of last year’s defeat—when the fourth-seeded San Beda Red Lions upset them in the championship—serves as a cautionary tale.

“You can never relax even if you’re No. 1, especially in the Final Four. You have to double or triple your efforts in preparing,” Alcantara said.

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The Cardinals’ will battle the No. 4 Lyceum Pirates, who are riding high after a victory over the second-seeded St. Benilde Blazers, in the semifinals.

With its playoff protection, Mapua needs to win just once to barge into the best-of-three championship series—but that could be the very reason why Alcantara anticipates a bruising battle against Lyceum.

“We know how tough and battle-ready Lyceum is. We should be ready,” he said.

Mapua appeared poised for an easy win against Arellano, building a 55-35 lead in the third quarter. But a spirited comeback by the Chiefs, led by T-Mac Ongotan, JL Capulong, and Ernest Geronimo, cut the gap to just two points late in the game.

Chris Hubilla, one of Mapua’s standouts alongside Clint Escamis and Marc Cuenco, hit a clutch mid-range jumper to restore a four-point cushion. Missed opportunities by Arellano in the final minute allowed the Cardinals to escape with the victory, with insurance free throws from Escamis and JC Recto sealing the outcome.