MANILA – Mapua University relied on Lawrence Mangubat's triple to beat Lyceum of the Philippines University, 69-68, Tuesday and gain a semifinal berth in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Season 100 men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

Mangubat scored 16 points, including eight in the final period as the Cardinals claimed their 11th win against three losses.

A basket by Mangubat levelled the score at 66-all, before skipper Renz Villegas countered with a jumper to put LPU ahead, 68-66, five seconds remaining.

Mangubat, who had five rebounds and two assists, delivered his fourth three-pointer off Clint Escarmis's pass to save the day for the Cardinals.

College of St. Benilde had already booked a seat in the Final Four, having an 11-2 record.

Rookie Chris Hubilla chipped in 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal for Mapua, which posted its biggest lead at 51-35 advantage in the third quarter.

Marc Cuenco had 11 points and five rebounds, while Escarmis added 10 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block.

Villegas finished with 22 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal while Gyle Montano had nine points for the Pirates, who prevailed in the first round, 96-81, on Sept. 24.

Vince Cunanan contributed eight points, six assists and five rebounds while Genesis Aviles and Jonathan Daileg scored seven points each. (PNA)