Allwell Oraeme. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
Despite the crazy windup, Mapua banked on Allwell Oraeme as it came out with a gritty 74-71 victory for its first win in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The reigning league Most Valuable Player captained the Cardinals with 24 points, 17 rebounds, four blocks, and three assists for their first win of the season.
READ: NCAA: Cardinals loom as darkhorse with Oraeme at helm
CJ Isit also tallied 17 markers and five rebounds, while Andrew Estrella registered 10 points and got two crucial blocks in the endgame to make up for his nine turnovers.
“I’m happy because it’s the first time we have won an opening game for a long time,” said coach Atoy Co. “I thank the players for their big heart. Up to the end, they did not give up even though we did not play our usual game.”
Mapua held JRU scoreless for six minutes in the payoff period as it battled back from a 69-64 deficit with 7:06 to play.
The Cardinals fired a 9-0 tear, with Oraeme giving his side the lead, 73-69 with 2:34 remaining.
The Heavy Bombers had chances to win the game in the final minute, but Paolo Pontejos and Tey Teodoro muffed their threes in the end.
Pontejos topscored for JRU with 16 points and six rebounds, while Teodoro got 13 markers on a 3-of-4 shooting from behind the arc. IDL
The Scores:
MAPUA 74 – Oraeme 24, Isit 17, Estrella 10, Victoria 8, Menina 5, Eriobu 3, Magboo 3, Orquina 2, Serrano 2, Biteng 0, Raflores 0.
JRU 71 – Pontejos 16, Teodoro 13, Poutouochi 8, Grospe 7, Dela Paz 5, Abdulwahab 4, Cruz 4, Lasquety 4, Mendoza 4, Dela Virgen 3, Evardo 3, Dada 0.
Quarters: 12-20, 36-38, 59-58, 74-71.