Mapua survived Lyceum’s blistering third-quarter run by unleashing a fourth-quarter storm en route to an 89-79 victory on Saturday, Nov. 23, to make a return trip to the finals in NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Clint Escamis flashed his MVP form and exploded with a career-high 33 points while hauling four rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block to steer the Cardinals to their third finals appearance in four seasons.

Mapua, which enjoyed a twice-to-beat semifinal bonus after finishing the eliminations as the top seed, squandered an imposing 45-30 lead midway the second quarter after being held by only eight points in the third as Lyceum grabbed a 65-63 upperhand.

But Escamis joined forces with Chris Hubilla and Yam Concepcion for a 13-4 spurt at the start of the payoff period to grab a 76-67 advantage that set the tone for the remainder of the game.

Lyceum attempted to salvage the game in the dying minute, including a booming triple from McLaude Gaudana to trim the deficit, 83-79, but ran out of gas.

Hubilla also stepped up for Mapua by unloading 17 points, eight rebounds and three steals, while John Recto chipped in 10 points and five boards.

JM Bravo attempted to lead Lyceum by uncorking a double-double performance of 20 points and 10 rebounds, John Barba pumped in 14 points, and Renz Villegas and Gaudana had 12 points apiece, but their efforts went to naught.

The Cardinals await the winner between second seed College of St. Benilde Blazers and the defending champion San Beda Red Lions, who are playing for the remaining finals berth at press time. The Blazers carry a twice-to-beat edge.

The scores:

MAPÚA 89 – Escamis 33, Hubilla 17, Recto 10, Mangubat 7, Concepcion 7, Cuenco 6, Igliane 4, Bancale 4, Jabonete 1, Ryan 0, Garcia 0.

LYCEUM 79 – Bravo 20, Barba 14, Villegas 12, Guadaña 12, Daileg 6, Versoza 6, Moralejo 3, Cunanan 2, Montaño 2, Peñafiel 2, Aviles 0.

Quarters: 29-21; 55-46; 63-65; 89-79.