The Cardinals finished with a 7-2 slate and remained in contention for the number two spot to secure an outright stint to the semifinals.

Mapua will be waiting for the results of the game between Colegio de San Juan de Letran and San Beda University to know their fate.

A win by San Beda on Friday will guarantee the Red Lions a Final Four berth while relegating Mapua to the play-in stage, where the Cardinals will compete with No. 4 College of St. Benilde for the third Final Four spot.

However, with a Letran win, Mapua will seize the No. 2 seeding that comes with an automatic Final Four appearance and a twice-to-beat advantage.

Toby Agustin led the Intramuros-based squad with 13 points and four rebounds, while Paolo Hernandez scored 13 points, five assists, two steals, and two blocks.

John Barba paced Lyceum with 16 points and five rebounds, while Omar Larupay chipped in 15 points, 14 boards, two steals, and two blocks as Lyceum ended with a 2-7 record and finished in ninth place.

The Scores:

Mapua 75 – Hernandez 13, Agustin 13, Lacap 12, Gamboa 10, Garcia 9, Nocum 6, Bonifacio 5, Asuncion 3, Pido 2, Mercado 2, Salenga 0.

Lyceum 65 – Barba 16, Larupay 15, Remulla 8, Cunanan 7, Navarro 6, Bravo 5, Guadana 4, Garro 3, Abadeza 1, Jabel 0, Valdez 0, Guinto 0.

Quarters: 15-17; 32-34; 53-47; 75-65.