Chris Hubilla had a debut to forget with José Rizal University.
Against College of Saint Benilde, however, the Heavy Bombers forward found exactly the motivation he needed.
The 23-year-old native of Bulan, Sorsogon, was named Rookie of the Year when he helped the Mapúa University Cardinals win the NCAA Season 100 championship over the Blazers.
Now with JRU, Hubilla has developed a growing personal rivalry with Benilde, making Tuesday’s NCAA Season 102 showdown an opportunity to settle unfinished business.
The Heavy Bombers had fallen to the Blazers multiple times during the preseason, with Hubilla unable to play in those meetings because of an injury. That only added fuel to his desire to make an impact when the two teams finally met in the NCAA.
“Good bounce back sa amin ‘yon kasi tinalo nga kami ng Benilde noong preseason tsaka di pa ako nakalaro noon, which is may injury ako noon,” he recalled about their Filoil Preseason Cup matchup.
“Kahit na di ako nakapaglaro noon, gusto ko lang talaga mag-bounce back na dito pa sa NCAA talaga namin tatalunin sila.”
JRU appeared to be in control after building a double-digit lead, only to see Benilde claw its way back and threaten to snatch the victory away in the final minutes. But when the game reached its most crucial stretch, Hubilla, Lawrence Magubat, and Allen Laurenaria stepped up to keep the Heavy Bombers from letting the win slip away.
The 6-foot-4 forward finished with 12 points and seven rebounds as JRU held on for a 73-69 victory, preserving its unbeaten start to the season.
“Laging sinasabi ng coaches sa amin na huwag lang kaming bibitaw sa mga sitwasyon na ganto kasi lahat naman kami pinaghahandaan e. Pinaghandaan namin sila, pinaghandaan din kami nila,” Hubilla added.
His performance was a significant improvement from JRU’s opening win over the Cardinals, where early foul trouble limited him to just three points in 18 minutes.
Hubilla admitted that his emotions got the better of him in that game, something he made sure not to repeat against a familiar opponent. As the Heavy Bombers survived Benilde’s late comeback attempt, Hubilla showed the composure expected of a player with championship experience.
“For me, ‘yung game ko ngayon, pinag-isipan ko talaga ‘yun. Kinuha ko lang ‘yung gasolina para makapaglaro ng ganito this game,” he shared.
“Yung gigil, di ko lang na-control kasi yun nga, special Mapúa pa kalaban namin, may gusto pa akong patunayan sa sarili ko.”
