Mapua dismantles EAC, joins Final Four playoff logjam

Allwell Oraeme leads all Cardinals with 16 points. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Mapua used a commanding second half as it swooped down on the lowly Emilio Aguinaldo College, 88-63, in the final day of the eliminations of the NCAA Season 91 men’s Basketball Tournament Friday at San Juan Arena.

With a 12-6 record, the Cardinals joined Jose Rizal University and Arellano University in the playoffs for a Final Four spot even as the hopes of Letran and Perpetual still hang in the balance.

Mapua scored 27 in the fourth quarter, two points more than EAC’s 25 second half points combined as the Cardinals forced the Generals to 24 turnovers.

Cardinals head coach Atoy Co said defense would be their calling card as the Final Four playoffs start.

“I think defense would be the key, any basketball game defense is the key,” Co said.

An ugly incident, however, marred the Cardinals’ cruise when Exequiel Biteng hit Sidney Onwubere’s face at the 1:45 mark of the second quarter that led to his ejection.

“I’m sad my shooter got thrown out, he didn’t do it on purpose and he’s not the player who breaks anybody’s game,” Co said.

MVP frontrunner Allwell Oraeme led six Cardinals who scored in double figures with 16 points to go along 15 rebounds, four blocks, and three steals.

Darell Menina and Mark Braña finished with 14 points apiece for Mapua while Josan Nimes had 14 points and seven assists.

John Nieles and Carlos Isit had 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Onwubere led the 2-16 Generals, which posted the worst NCAA record in school history, with 21 points and 11 rebounds.