After topping the University of San Carlos Warriors earlier in the week, the Mapua Cardinals made it a double whammy as they bested the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesaf) champions Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras, 81-73, in the 2015 Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.
With their morale high after claiming the Cebu City Mayor’s Cup crown over USC last Tuesday, the Cardinals rode on the hot shooting of the aforementioned tournament’s MVP Josan Nimes to hand Cebu’s best a rude welcome to the competition.
Nimes, the 2011 NCAA Rookie of the Year who is hot on the comeback trail after missing the last two years due to injuries, had another fantastic outing as he compiled 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. He also stuck the final dagger into the Cobras’ hearts with a timely three pointer that turned a precarious 67-61 lead into a 77-63 bulge with just four minutes remaining in the match.
Mapua was only ahead by a point, 20-19, after the first 10 minutes of action but quickly went to work and outscored the Cebuanos, 20-10, in the second to mount a 40-19 lead at halftime.
Though the Cobras came close, Mapua refused to blink and unleashed a 10-2 run capped by the Nimes triple that secured the Cardinals’ first victory in this competition.
CJ Isit and Bien dela Rosa added 16 apiece while Nigerian Allwell Oraeme added nine points and 17 rebounds.
Two-time Cesafi MVP Mark Jayven Tallo led the Cobras with 21 points.