The AMA Online Education Titans broke out of their slump and pulled off a 69-61 win over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, Monday afternoon at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
Jeron Teng unloaded 11 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter, on top of six rebounds, as he carried the Titans late in the game.
AMA crawled back from a 52-47 deficit early in the payoff period and banked on a Teng-led 11-1 blast to hold a 58-53 advantage with 5:50 to play.
Though the Titans allowed Tey Teodoro to recover and grab a 59-51 lead for JRU, they did close the deal out as AMA went on an 11-2 finishing tear to seal the W.
“Nandoon yung composure ng team sa huli. Last three minutes, humabol pa yung kalaban pero sabi ko sa players, walang bibitaw. Must win talaga kami dito sa JRU,” said coach Mark Herrera.
New signing Gino Jumao-as chimed in 12 markers and seven boards, while Jay-R Taganas tallied a double-double of 10 points and 16 rebounds for AMA, which improved to a 3-2 slate.
The Heavy Bombers shot better from the field compared to Titans, shooting 40 percent from the field compared to 37 percent for AMA — including a 1-of-14 from distance. However, JRU committed 17 turnovers in the game that led to their struggles.
Paolo Pontejos captained JRU with 19 points, as his team fell to its first defeat in three games.
AMA will face Victoria Sports-MLQU next Monday, February 13. Both games are set at 5:00 PM and will take place at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City. JRU will play again versus Café France this Thursday, February 9.
The Scores:
AMA 69 – Teng 31, Jumao-as 12, Taganas 10, Arambulo 8, Tiongson 6, Caranguian 2, Alabanza 0, Barua 0, Bragais 0, Jordan 0.
JRU 61 – Pontejos 19, Lasquety 8, Poutouochi 7, Teodoro 7, Bautista 6, Bordon 6, Grospe 4, Estrella 2, Santos 2, Lopez 0, Mate 0.
Quarterscores: 18-17, 31-30, 47-49, 69-61.
