WITH reigning MVP Clint Escamis showing the way, Mapua University trounced Arellano University 77-71 yesterday for its third straight win and kept its hold on second in the 100th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Clint Escamis scattered 15 points and also had five rebounds, eight assists, and four steals for the Cardinals while rookie Chris Hubilla added 15 markers, eight boards, a steal and an assist.

The win allowed the Intramuros-based squad to move to 6-2, just behind College of St Benilde (6-1). The Chiefs slipped to 2-6.

“Malaking bagay iyong stop namin noong last possession nila, siyempre ang hirap noong sa bigs, si (Lorenz) Capulong (ng Arellano), 19 points so medyo mahirap,” Mapua coach Randy Alcantara said.

“Ang sabi ko nga, iyong mga rookies, itong mga batang ito, bigyan mo ng chance, bigyan mo nang pagkakataon na makapaglaro, ipo-prove nila sa iyo na talagang they deserve to play,” he added.

Neil Moralejo saved the day for Lyceum, hitting the game-winning three-point shot to lift the Pirates to a 64-62 escape over the Perpetual Altas.

Moralejo sank a triple with 9.0 seconds left for a 63-62 count before a Renz Villegas split from the foul line pegged the final count.

Villegas led Lyceum with 18 points while also coming up with five boards, three dimes, and seven steals. Moralejo finished with eight.

Capulong shone for the Chiefs with 19 points and six rebounds while Renzo Abierra chipped in 18 markers.

Rookie Mark Gojo Cruz paced Perpetual with 14 points while Shawn Orgo and Cedrick Abis combined for 23.