MANILA, Philippines — Mapua University held off Arellano University, 77-71, to claim its third straight win in the NCAA Season 100 men's basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Wednesday.

Reigning MVP Clint Escamis logged 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and four steals to lead the Cardinals, who put the Chiefs away with a 5-0 finishing kick.

Arellano got within one after a 12-1 run capped by a Lorenz Capulong putback in the final 38.5 seconds trimmed down Mapua's 71-59 lead to just one, 72-71.

Marc Iglane incurred an offensive foul, giving the Chiefs a chance to snatch the lead but the Cardinals were the ones who managed to steal the ball that resulted in an Escamis breakaway layup, 74-71, starting that 5-0 finishing kick in the last 16.3.

Mapua then got a huge break when Jeadan Ongotan was slapped with an unsportsmanlike foul on Chris Hubilla for a hit on the latter's face. Hubilla split his charities.

Getting the ball possession back, the Cardinals then put the game away with two made free throws by Escamis with 11.6 ticks remaining.

Hubilla finished with 15 points and eight rebounds for Mapua which improved to 6-2 and solidified its hold of the second spot nearing the close of the first round.

Mark Cuenco cashed in 10 points, three assists, three rebounds, and two steals, while Yam Concepcion helped the Cardinals' cause with seven points and 10 boards.

Capulong banged 19 points and six rebounds for the Chiefs, who dropped to 2-6, tied with the San Sebastian Golden Stags at the bottom of the 10-team league.

Renzo Abiera and Jerico Camay pumped 18 and 11 points, respectively, in a losing effort.