Mapua’s Allwell Oraeme. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Mapua rebounded from its first defeat in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament with an 88-75 victory over San Sebastian Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Exeqiel Biteng stepped up to the plate with 19 points on a 5-of-12 shooting from three that went with four assists, while Darell Menina had 15 markers as the backcourt took charge in lieu of CJ Isit, who left the game due to a finger injury early in the first quarter.
Coach Atoy Co looked at the victory as a “must win” as the Cardinals brace for a tough schedule ahead.
“We really need this game kasi we have four games para maganda ang standing namin. We really have to win this game kasi yung susunod na tatlo namin, mahirap na kalaban,” he said with Mapua lined up to face San Beda, Perpetual and Letran to end the first round.
Without Isit, Biteng anchored a 31-point second quarter outburst to help the Cardinals break away, 51-42, at the half and lead by as much as 18, 83-65 late.
Andrew Estrella also added 14 points and seven assists, while Allwell Oraeme stuffed the stat sheets with a huge double-double of 13 markers, 22 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks.
Joseph Eriobu also got 12 points and six boards in the win.
Mapua improved to solo second at 5-1, while San Sebastian fell to a 1-4 card.
Justine Mercado paced the Stags with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Regille Ilagan got 17 markers on a 5-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc.
The Scores:
MAPUA 88 – Biteng 19, Menina 15, Estrella 14, Oraeme 13, Eriobu 12, Isit 7, Serrano 6, Orquina 2, Aguirre 0, Bunag 0, Victoria 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 75 – Mercado 18, Ilagan 17, Calisaan 9, Quipse 7, Capobres 6, Valdez 6, Fabian 5, Johnson 5, Bulanadi 2, Baetiong 0, David 0, Calma 0.
Quarters: 20-20, 51-42, 64-53, 88-75.