Lions, Cards seek fifth straight wins

A CLOUD of uncertainty remains on Allwell Oraeme’s availability when co-leader Mapua clashes with powerhouse Arellano today in the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The reigning MVP was benched in the narrow 70-67 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College last week and sources said Oraeme was only rested to hasten his recovery from injury.

Gametime is 2 p.m. with the Chiefs raring to bounce back from their 79-89 defeat to defending champion Letran last Thursday.

Without the 6-foot-9 Oraeme, the Cardinals struggled to put away the Generals and it won’t get easier if they don’t have his services for the duel with the Chiefs, whose leader, Jio Jalalon, is raring to make amends for his sub-par performance against the Knights.

San Beda also hopes to stay on top when it battles dangerous Perpetual Help at 4 p.m. in the last game of a triple-header that kicks off with Letran taking on San Sebastian.

Armed with a 4-0 record, the Red Lions hope to have starting point guard Dan Sara back from injury.

Sara, who sustained a thumb injury in practice last week, did not play in the 90-63 crushing of the St. Benilde Blazers last Friday.