Oraeme-less Cards survive Generals

Games Tuesday (The Arena, San Juan City) 12 noon – San Sebastian vs Letran (Srs.) 2 p.m. – Arellano vs Mapua (Srs.) 4 p.m. – Perpetual vs San Beda (Srs.) Mapua survived the absence of reigning MVP Allwell Oraeme and pulled off a scary 70-67 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College to remain tied for the lead with San Beda in the NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City. Without the 6-foot-9 Oraeme, who was reportedly injured, the Cardinals struggled controlling the boards and even the tempo of the game. Mapua Coach Atoy Co or any of the team members refused to divulge the reason why Oraeme was not used. Good thing for the Cardinals, Almel Orquina responded to Co’s challenge, posting 13 points and five rebounds while CJ Isit and Andoy Estrella added 12 markers apiece for Mapua. Oraeme was coming off a 22-point, 25-rebound performance in [...]