Even when he is feeling under the weather, reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Allwell Oraeme still produced monster numbers and, more importantly, lead the Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals to its best start in four years after a 78-68 win over the College of Saint Benilde Blazers early Tuesday evening at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Oraeme, who has been down with the flu for the last two days, posted another double-double with 17 points on 4-for-7 shooting from the field and 9-for-14 shooting from stripe and 21 rebounds. King Cardinal CJ Isit added 15 markers, seven boards, and three steals in the win.
“Allwell is sick for the past two days,” Mapua head coach Atoy Co shared. “Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Just be in the shaded lane, get the rebounds and play defense. Don’t mind about scoring.'”
The Cardinals were able to gain a substantial lead in the third frame in outscoring the Blazers 21-13 in the quarter for a 56-43 lead.
Christian Fajarito willed his way to the paint early in the fourth quarter as he scored six straight points to cut the lead just seven, 56-49.
After a quick timeout by Co, the troika of Andrew Estralla, Justin Serrano, and Exe Biteng responded with a counter-run to extend the lead to an insurmountable 75-62 lead with a minute remaining in the game. What made matters worse for the Blazers was Fajarito cramped up with 3:34 remaining in the game.
“I’m happy with the win but we were too confident,” Co said after the game. “Hindi ibig sabihin na tinalo sila ng San Sebastian, hindi pupuwedeng ganun kasi baka maaksidente.”
Carlo Young led the Blazers with 20 markers, 18 coming from downtown. Fajarito added 12 markers in 23 minutes of action.
The Mapua Cardinals (2-0) look to extend their streak to three as they face the Lyceum Pirates (0-2) on Tuesday, July 12 at 12:00nn. On the other hand, the Benilde Blazers (0-2) face the Letran Knights (1-1) on Friday, July 1 at 2:00pm.
The Scores:
MIT (78) – Oraeme 17, Isit 15, Estrella 12, Orquina 7, Serrano 6, Menina 5, Raflores 4, Victoria 4, Biteng 3, Bunag 2, Dela Rosa 0, Eriobu 0.
CSB (68) – Young 20, Fajarito 12, Doming JJ 10, Saavedra 8, Sta. Maria 7, Haruna 5, Leutcheu 3, Dixon 2, Castor 1, Pajarillaga 0, Pasamante 0, San Juan 0.
Quarterscores: 14-18, 35-30, 56-43, 78-68.
