Cards seek last semis berth vs Blazers

MANILA, Philippines – Mapua braces for a strong St. Benilde challenge as the Cardinals shoot for the fourth and last semifinal berth in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan today.

The Cards assured themselves of at least a playoff for the fourth Final after dethroning the Letran Knights, 77-72, last Tuesday and will automatically advanced with another triumph over the winless Blazers in their 4 p.m. encounter.

Mapua, toting a 10-5 record, is eyeing to join Arellano U (13-3), San Beda (12-4) and Perpetual Help (11-5) in the semis with a victory and crush whatever chances fifth-running Jose Rizal U (9-8) has in its backdoor bid.

While the Cardinals expect the Blazers to go all out to notch the elusive win, the Muralla-based school will also come into the match motivated by its chance to still fight for a twice-to-beat edge in the semis with a sweep of its last three matches.

Reigning MVP Allwell Oraeme put on a 21-point and 23-rebound effort against the Knights while Denniel Aguirre, Joseph Eriobu and Shane Menina chipped in 12 markers apiece.

“We have to treat all the teams with respect and play hard every game,” said the 20-year-old Oraeme in reminding his teammates not to take the Blazers lightly.

San Sebastian (6-10) and Emilio Aguinaldo (5-10), meanwhile, clash in a non-bearing duel at 2 p.m.