King Cardinal sidelined due to back spasms

Mapua’s top gun Kelvin Dela Peña will miss the Cardinals’ first few games in the second round of the 84th NCAA basketball tournament due to back spasms.

“I have major back spasms for about two to three weeks now,” the reigning NCAA MVP told The STAR yesterday.

For one killer four-game stretch, Dela Peña, who played high school ball in Alberta, Canada, averaged 11 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and two steals to help power the Cardinals to four victories.

Dela Pena said he forced himself to play against Letran although Mapua eventually lost, 60-67. He, however, managed to finish with five points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals.

“I wasn’t suppose to play for Letran but I had to,” Dela Peña said.

Dela Peña said he’s trying hard to work himself back into shape even as he vowed to help the Cardinals make it to the Final Four this year.

“The pain still kills. I can’t bend down properly on my right side,” he said.    – Joey  Villar