Mapua, hoping to advance to the semifinal round after a failed attempt last season, tries to move closer to that goal as it shoots for its seventh win against a slumping Emilio Aguinaldo College side this Friday in the NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The Cardinals battle the Generals at 4 p.m. with the Intramuros-based Mapua hoping for a win that will boost its Final Four bid.

Holding a 6-4 card, the Cardinals are comfortably perched at No. 4 spot, two games clear of their closest pursuer, Arellano University (4-6).

Clashing in the opener at 2 p.m. are the College St. Benilde Blazers (2-8) and the Chiefs.

San Beda has already bagged the first semis berth. (Francis Santiago)