Mapua extended its winning ways and overpowered Letran, 77-62, to clinch solo second in NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Friday, Sept. 20.

The Cardinals dictated the game tempo throughout with four players scoring in double figures for their third straight victory after losing their opening game assignment to the College of St. Benilde Blazers.

The win inched Mapua closer to St. Benilde, which sports a pristine 4-0 mark, while pushing Letran in a crowded third place of identical 2-2 cards with University of Perpetual Help, San Sebastian, San Beda, Emilio Aguinaldo College and Lyceum.

Hubilla displayed his all-around might for the Cardinals by unloading 18 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, while Cuenco and Mangubat conspired for seven of the team’s nine triples to finish with 13 points apiece.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis, meanwhile, contributed 12 points, five boards, six assists and two blocked shots.

Mapua led by as many as 20 points, 62-42, which it never relinquished despite the persistent attempts of Jimboy Estrada and Paolo Javillonar for Letran.

It also helped that the Cardinals converted 14 points of the Knights’ turnovers while also delivering the same outpoints off fastbreak attempts.

The scores:

MAPUA 77 - Hubilla 18, Cuenco 13, Mangubat 13, Escamis 12, Recto 8, Bancale 7, Jabonete 4, Concepcion 2, Igliane 0, Agemenyi 0, Ryan 0, Pantaleon 0.

LETRAN 62 - Estrada 19, Javillonar 11, Montecillo 9, Cuajao 7, Monje 4, Dimaano 3, Go 3, Jumao-As 3, Delfino 2, Miller 1, Nunag 0, Pradella 0, Tagotongan 0, Santos 0, Balilinng 0.

Quarters: 14-8; 38-28; 55-40; 77-62.