Already without their leading scorer Arvin Tolentino, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws also lost their tower of power Prince Orizu early in their game against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
With 2:59 left in the opening frame of the contest, the 6-foot-10 Cameroonian accidentally stepped on Angelo Kouame as he was going for a shot. Orizu crumpled in pain and had to be taken out of the contest.
“‘Di pa alam eh. Nandoon pa siya sa hospital to get an x-ray. Hopefully, negative,” disclosed second-year FEU head coach Olsen Racela.
“There’s no swelling. We’re hoping it’s just muscle. ‘Di niya malagayan ng weight kasi eh.”
With Orizu out, Kouame feasted against the Tamaraws, tallying 33 points and 27 rebounds – the first 30-20 outing in the UAAP since 2003 – to lead the Blue Eagles to an 82-62 win.
Orizu’s injury was a big blow to FEU. But for Racela, he was proud of the gallant stand showed by the likes of Richard Escoto, Clifford Jopia, Barkley Ebona, and Brandey Bienes.
“Well, the injury to Prince was obviously not planned. He’s the only one that can match up to Kouame,” shared Racela as Orizu was averaging 9.38 points and 10.63 rebounds per game. “We did things that we didn’t normally do in the second half just to keep the game close.
“Bottom line is I’m proud with the way these guys fought given those circumstances.”
Dropping to a 5-4 slate is the least of the Tamaraws’ concerns right now, as they are hoping for the best for Orizu.
“We’re hoping he’s okay. Ngayon lang namin malalaman.”
