The Mapua Institute of Technology scored just eight (8) points in the last quarter but still managed to stop the late rally of San Beda Red Lions.

At the half, Mapua led by as much as 11 points and that proved to be a virtually safe distance against the defending champion using their slow ball.

San Beda’s big men dominated the boards with 47 rebounds while Mapua only had 28. Niel Pascual and other big men of the Cardinals contained Ekwe as they limited the Nigerian baller to just four (4) points.

Relying heavily in their guards, Cardinal’s pro-bound Kelvin dela Pena scored 17 points, Ian Mazo nipped 15 and Jonathan Banal added 10 points to win their first final four game in seven years.

The San Beda Red Lions and Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals will play again at the Cuneta Astrodome on September 22, Monday. The winner of that game will play against Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers for the Championship.