Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Mapua notched its first win in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup after a 104-94 route of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Saturday at San Juan Arena in what became the highest-scoring match in the tournament so far.
Offense immediately started to flow for the Cardinals (1-1) as they opened the game with a 39-point quarter in the first quarter while the Knights only managed 21.
Cardinals head coach Atoy Co said they wanted to run more on offense to take advantage of his team’s speed while leaving defending NCAA MVP Allwell Oraeme to anchor the defense.
“Admittedly we are a smaller team, kasi some of my bigs but some of my bigs are still rookies, particularly I’m using more of my smalls, so we run,” Co said. “We have to be in shape so we can run.”
Co’s rookie big men, one standing at 6’7” and the other 6’5”, are both sidelined so he had to use his guards more on offense.
His plan worked, though, as the Cardinals registered 21 fastbreak points.
CJ Isit led Mapua with 23 points to go along seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals while Exe Biteng added 18 points.
Oraema filled the statsheet with 16 points, 18 rebounds, and six blocks.
Rey Nambatac led the 1-1 Knights with 20 points, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.