Mapua tries to stretch its four-game winning run to secure at least a playoff for a Final Four berth when it squares off with Lyceum on Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

A victory for the Cardinals in their 11 a.m. matchup with the Pirates would improve their 10-3 win-loss record and solidify their hold of the second spot behind pacesetter College of St. Benilde Blazers (11-2).

Also out to boost its Final Four bid is defending champion San Beda, which aims to catch up with St. Benilde and Mapua when it tangles with the dangerous Jose Rizal University at 2:30 p.m.

The squads are coming off contrasting fortunes in their last matches with the Red Lions nursing a 58-55 loss to the Cardinals that put them at 8-5, and the Bombers riding on a morale-boosting 90-86 win over the Letran Knights that bolstered their flickering Final Four hopes at 4-9.

Focus, however, is on Mapua, which is peaking just at the right time as it hopes to eclipse its bridesmaid finish last season.

Showing their might against the Red Lions the last time, the Cardinals trio of Chris Hubilla, Marc Cuenco and Clint Escamis to do the most damage against the Pirates spearheaded by Renz Villegas, John Barba and Jonathan Daileg.

Toting a 6-7 record, Lyceum is aching to jump at joint fourth with Letran (7-7).

In the other pairing, Bryan Sajonia and Jomel Puno are expected to carry the fight for San Beda against JRU’s own duo composed of Mart Barrera and Joshua Guiab.