Allwell Oraeme’s league-best numbers gave the Cardinals a boost in the absence of head coach Atoy Co. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
For Mapua, all’s well that ends well.
True to his name, Allwell Oraeme proved to be the biggest difference for the Cardinals as he helped his squad nail their fifth straight victory after stunning Letran, 82-77, Tuesday in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena.
The 6-foot-9 Nigerian was a behemoth down low, hauling down a league-high 30 rebounds to go with his 18 points.
Sans head coach Atoy Co, who is serving the first of his two-game suspension, Mapua remained at the fifth spot with a 9-5 slate, half a game behind fourth-seed Perpetual.
READ: NCAA suspends Mapua coach Atoy Co for 2 games
It was also the second time the Cardinals emerged victorious without Co, the first during their game against St. Benilde in the first round, 76-64 last August 7.
Rookie John Nieles also stepped up with 16 markers, as Justin Serrano chimed in 14 points and five rebounds.
Darell Menina also got 12 markers, six assists, and five boards in the win.
“Going to the second round, coach Atoy told the boys and said we feel that if we worked hard, a team that is unselfish, there is something bigger for us and every game, we need to keep on improving,” said Cardinals deputy Ed Cordero.
It was Mapua’s first victory against Letran since August 25, 2010, where it beat the Knights, 63-60.
Despite committing 35 turnovers, the Cardinals were able to weather the late Letran fightback and even took a 17-point lead midway in the third period.
Mark Cruz led Letran (11-3) with 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
The Scores
MAPUA 82 – Oraeme 18, Nieles 16, Serrano 14, Menina 12, Que 6, Nimes 5, Aguirre 4, Braña 4, Biteng 3, Raflores 0.
LETRAN 77 – Cruz 17, Racal 16, Nambatac 15, Sollano 12, Apreku 6, Balanza 5, Quinto 4, Luib 2, Bernabe 0, Gedaria 0.
Quarters: 16-25, 42-36, 62-49, 82-77