It was an all or nothing battle for the Mapua Cardinals and they responded by burning the floor with their blistering running game.

The Cardinals entered the Final Four for the first time since 2010 by beating the Arellano Chiefs, 93-75 Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

They will next face Jose Rizal University—their tormentors in the 2010 step-ladder semifinals—for the playoff of the third seed on Friday.

Josan Nimes was on fire the whole game by making 21 points and four assists—his best game since opening day–while Allwell Oraeme, the leading player for the MVP race, threw in 13 points and hauled 28 rebounds to help Mapua secure their win.

Meanwhile, pint-sized guards CJ Isit and Darell Menina contributed 14 points each and power forwards Justin Serrano and Mark Brana made 10 points apiece.

The fall of the Chiefs was a great advantage for the five-time defending champions, San Beda Red Lions, who have never won a single game this season against last year’s runner-up.

Mapua Caridinals will clash against JRU Bombers next Friday, October 16, to secure their third seeding in the semifinals.

Box scores:
Mapua 93 — Nimes 21, Isit 14, Menina 14, Oraeme 13, Serrano 10, Brana 10, Aguirre 6, Nieles 5, Que 0.
Arellano 75 — Jalalon 37, Salado 9, Cadavis 7, Nicholls 6, Meca 4, Bangga 4, Tano 4, Holts 2, Enriquez 2, Ongolo-Ongolo 0, Gumaru 0, Ortega 0, Zamora 0.
Quarter scores: 16-15; 49-33; 69-51; 93-75.