The Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals have two reasons to celebrate.
After clinching a Final Four berth last Friday, Cardinal big man Allwell Oraeme is finally healthy after battling through injuries all throughout the course of the season.
The Nigerian student-athlete led the Cardinals to a second straight Final Four berth after securing wins over the defending NCAA champions Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights and the College of Saint Benilde Blazers. For his part, the reigning Most Valuable Player posted norms of 18.5 points, 22.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and two blocks during that span.
By leading Mapua to another Final Four stint, Oraeme became the unanimous choice for the ACCEL Quantum/3XVI-NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week citation.
“It’s a good feeling to get the win. It can secure us a Final Four berth. We are happy about it,” the soft-spoken center said.
Oraeme posted 21 points, 26 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks as Mapua ended Letran’s reign with a 77-72 victory last Tuesday, gaining some form of vengeance against the same team that eliminated them last season.
Two days later, the 20-year-old Oraeme delivered 16 points, 19 boards, two assists, and two blocks to help the Cardinals clinch the remaining semifinals berth with a 69-59 win over the College of Saint Benilde.
More importantly, Mapua’s anchor can finally say that he is healthy enough to lead the Cardinals once again.
“Yeah, it’s good. I’m just happy that my body is feeling well,” he quipped.
Mapua are now tied with University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in third place at 11-5, trailing behind Arellano University (13-3) and San Beda (12-4). A sweep of this week can give the Intramuros-based squad a twice-to-beat incentive in the playoffs.
