MAPUA blasted also-ran Emilio Aguinaldo College, 86-63, to move closer to claiming a final four slot in the NCAA juniors basketball on Wednesday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym.

Andreo Santos carried the fight for Mapua as he came away with 14 points on top of five rebounds and three assists even as Joseph Manuel and Paolo Morenos scored 12 points apiece.

BJ Catapang also contributed a double-double performance of 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Red Robins.

Two other teams in CSB-La Salle Green Hills and San Sebastian also prevailed over their respective foes and kept within striking distance of Mapua (6-1).

Seven Gagate top-scored for the Greenies with 17 points and 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season performance.

On the other hand, James Ison chipped in 14 points and nine boards as CSB-La Salle GH chalked up its fifth straight win via a 79-69 win over Jose Rizal University.

Meanwhile, the Staglets, riding high on Mark de Leon’s 28-point, 11-rebound effort, also improved to 5-2 after eking out an 84-69 decision over the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

Defending champion San Beda showed hard-luck Arellano University the door in the Final Four race with an 82-53 win while keeping its Final Four hopes alive.

Luis Pablo led scorers with 12 points and 14 rebounds, Christian Mesias logged 12 points and nine boards, while Santi Romero contributed seven assists and two steals to go along with seven rebounds for LSGH.

Cohesive as the Red Cubs’ defense, the Braves suffered their worst loss of the season as they were limited to four points in the third period and San Beda padded a 66-35 lead en route to picking up its fourth victory in seven games.

Andrei Dungo spearheaded San Beda’s campaign with 20 points, six assists, and two steals, John Lopez chipped in 16 points and five steals while Chris Hubilla tallied 11 points, seven boards, and two assists.

SJ Moore led Arellano with 21 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

The Junior Altas suffered their fourth loss against three victories, putting their Final Four hopes in peril.

The Light Bombers and the Braves fell to 2-5 and 1-6 records, respectively, while the Brigadiers remained winless in seven contests.