San Sebastian College-Recoletos clinched the final spot of Group B after surviving Jose Rizal University, 59-55 on Saturday in the 15th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
San Sebastian grabbed the fourth spot with a 4-3 record and will face National University in the quarterfinals.
With 1:45 left in the ball game, Jonathan Medina finished an under the rim to cut the lead to two, 54-56.
Unfortunately for the Bombers, Jessie Sumoda knocked down the dagger finishing with an and-one basket with 1:03 remaining.
In the following possession, Medina split his free throws which led to a JRU offensive board. However, he turned the ball over, ending their preseason campaign with another defeat.
“When we got to the second half, na-pag-usapan ng mga bata ‘yung adjustment at ‘yung physciality of the game, which is nile-let go ng mga referee, so ‘yun lang naman ‘yung adjustment namin eh,” said Golden Stags head coach Egay Macaraya.
“Maglalaro kami, tapos never mind the referee and the physicality; they just played good defense para mag ha-handa na rin makuha ‘yung lead nila, and the boys responds; and they played very hard kaya namin na-habol ‘yung JRU at the second half,” he added.
Raymart Escobido led all scorers with 18 points together with three rebounds and two assists, while Sumoda had 12 markers and nine boards including the clutch and-one play during the crucial moment of the game.
For the Heavy Bombers, Agem Miranda finished with 15 points, four rebounds, and five assists. Medina also added 10 markers, seven boards, and three dimes.
Before that, JRU was leading by as much as 16 in the second quarter after a Ry Dela Rosa basket with 2:18 left.
San Sebastian turned things around in the second half following a 19-6 third-quarter outburst.
JRU finished the preseason winless with 0-7.
The Scores:
San Sebastian 59 — Escobido 18, Sumoda 12, Cosari 8, Calahat 4, Are 4, Desoyo 4, Janao 4, Altamirano 3, Shanoda 2, Suico 0, Felebrico 0, Yambing 0, Concha 0.
JRU 55 — Miranda 15, Medina 10, Celis 8, Villarin 5, De Leon 4, Dela Rosa 4, De Jesus 4, Sy 2, Gonzales 2, Dionisio 1, Bongay 0, Benitez 0, Abaoag 0, Tan 0.
Quarterscores: 12-12, 26-38, 45-44, 59-55.
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The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
