Josan Nimes’ timely return boosts Mapua’s Final Four chances

>Since star forward Josan Nimes injured his hamstring in their game against the Benilde Blazers last August 7, it has been an up-and-down ride for the Mapua Cardinals. Sans their go-to scoring option, they would usually form a big lead against their opponents and would often run out of gas as the game neared its crucial stretches. Adding more to the Cardinals’ woes is the absence of veteran guards CJ Isit and Andretti Stevens due to sustained injuries.

However, hope once again filled the hearts of the Mapua faithful as Nimes finally suited up for action in his team’s game against the San Sebastian Golden Stags. In his first game back since injuring his hamstring, Nimes quickly went to work and showed no signs of jitters as he dropped 18 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists.

“I didn’t know how much my hamstring could take but it was fine. As far as playing, I wasn’t nervous at all,” Nimes told reporters after Mapua’s 87-78 win against San Sebastian. “I’m really used to it and I’m old already.”

With that recent win, Mapua is now on a two-game winning streak and they are currently at par with fellow Final Four contenders Jose Rizal University and Arellano University. As of press time, Mapua is currently tied with JRU at fifth place with identical 6-5 records while Arellano only has a one game advantage with a 7-4 record.

“We’re on a two-game winning streak and we’re trying to ride on that and use that as momentum. We just need to take care of what we’re doing and not think of JRU and Arellano in fighting for the last place [for the upcoming semis],” Nimes added. “We just need to worry about ourselves right now.”