Shorthanded Mapua prevents meltdown, shocks Perpetual Help

Allwell Oraeme led an undermanned Mapua side with a double-double in an upset win over Perpetual Help Thursday night. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

There was no collapse as Mapua, this time, held on for a 70-65 win over University of Perpetual Help in the second round of the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament Thursday at the Arena in San Juan.

Mapua, which squandered an 18-point lead in a loss against Jose Rizal University in the first round, maintained its composure in the dying seconds.

Denniel Aguirre scored off a scramble with less than 10 seconds remaining to seal the Cardinals’ victory.

Mapua head coach Atoy Co was relieved following the big win as his team reached the .500 mark with a 5-5 record.

“Finally, Lady Luck smiled on us,” Co said.

Mapua had to play without pro-bound Josan Nimes, who is nursing a hamstring injury while Andretti Stevens and CJ Isit are sidelined with knee and elbow injuries, respectively.

“I’m so happy that even without my superstars we we’re able to pull through which means we can pull off wins by just following the system,” said the PBA great.

The Altas clamped down on the Cardinals in the fourth quarter with a 23-9 run anchored by Bright Akhuetie.

But it was a case of too little too late for Perpetual Help.

Allwell Oraeme led the Cardinals with 19 points and 15 rebounds while Exequiel Biteng and Justin Serrano added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Akhuetie led the Altas, who dropped to 7-3, with 18 points and nine boards.