MAPUA FACES ANOTHER BLOW AND MIGHT LOSE TOP GUNNER ESTRELLA
By Maxine Louise Lagman
11 August 2017
The Mapua University Cardinals faced another blow as top gunners Andoy Estrella and Leo Gabo both had injuries prior to their match against San Beda Red Lions on Friday, losing for the fifth time with a 66-55 loss in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Arena.
“They got injured in our practice. Wala na nga akong players, na-injure pa,” said Mapua Coach and PBA legend Atoy Co.
Co said he suspected Estrella suffered an MCL injury during a practice game on Thursday, while Gabo had an ankle sprain.
“Natulak niya (Estrella) kasi yung kakampi niya si Orquina during scrimmage, tapos nabagsakan niya naman si Andoy sa tuhod. Ang suspetsa ko MCL kasi wala naman daw lumagutok pero after nun he had a hard time walking,” Co added.
Estrella had an average of 16.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists, while Gabo had an average of 10.8 points, 3.2 boards and 3.4 assists.
Despite his ankle injury, Gabo tried to still play for the squad, but he only lasted four minutes in the game with a two point contribution to the team.
Meanwhile, Christian Bunag exceeded his team’s expectations as he led the Cardinals with a game-high double-double record of 20 points and 18 rebounds. Almel Orquina added 11 points and four rebounds, while Kim Magboo had 10 points.
Red Lions Donald Tankou, on the other hand, had 11 points and 16 rebounds, while Javee Mocon added 10 points and six rebounds to cap off their win.
Down with only 11 players, Mapua will face JRU on August 22, while San Beda will take on Perpetual on August 17 at the Altas’ home court.
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