Co admits Cardinals can’t afford to sit out hurting Oraeme

Mapua Cardinals coach Atoy Co. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Even with Allwell Oraeme hurting, Mapua Atoy Co admits that he can’t afford to sit out the Nigerian big man this late in the season.

Apparently already playing with an ailing knee, Oraeme also injured his right elbow early in the third quarter in the the Cardinals’ 101-97 win over the Red Lions.

He had to sit out momentarily before returning and finishing with 12 points and 24 rebounds.

“He’s trying his best, pero di pa sya 100-percent. May iniinda pa sya,” the mentor said.

Oraeme hushed down any concerns in the post-game and said that his elbow is “a bit sore, but it’s not a problem right now. I’m just enjoying the win.”

Co, though, said that Mapua’s furious drive to the Final Four is delaying Oraeme’s recovery.

“Mabagal lang ang recovery nya kasi nilalaro eh. Pero kung ipapahinga, mas mabilis ang recovery. But we cannot afford to not play him. Pag wala si Allwell, delikado kami,” he said.

But even with Oraeme playing with injured knee and elbow, the Cardinals still were able to occupy solo fourth place with their 8-5 card.

Co is just hopeful that things won’t turn for the worse for Mapua as it eyes to solidify its position in the second round.

“We we’re tied with JRU and they dropped their game (against EAC),” he said. “The win today, it’s a very big factor for us this late in the season.”