Jose Rizal University got a much-needed morale boost with still months to go before the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament.
The Heavy Bombers completed a 10-game sweep of the 2026 University Belt Basketball Cup presented by Home Credit, capping their campaign with a 66–56 victory over the EAC Generals in the final on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Lawrence Mangubat, a transferee from Mapúa University, was named MVP of the tournament, which is supported by Smart Sports.
The game remained tight throughout, with JRU clinging to a 57–53 lead midway through the final quarter before pulling away.
The Heavy Bombers finished strong with a 9–1 closing run to complete their dominant title campaign.
Chris Hubilla, another former Cardinal, tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds in the final, while Jalen Garcia added 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field.
Mangubat chipped in nine points, nine rebounds, and six assists in the championship game.
The Generals were led by EJ Castillo and MJ Raymundo, who finished with nine points apiece.
JRU swept the group stage, going 7–0 with wins over UST, CSB, Adamson, Fatima, Letran, Saint Clare, and FEU.
The Heavy Bombers then staved off the CEU Scorpions, 70–67, in the quarterfinals before stunning the UST Growling Tigers in overtime, 85–82, with Mangubat leading the way with 19 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
On the other hand, the Generals had to go through a tiebreaker against the Arellano Chiefs just to reach the quarterfinals.
EAC ousted the St. Clare Saints, 81–72, in the quarterfinals before stunning defending champions NU Bulldogs, 85–81, behind the duo of Wilmar Oftana and Raymundo.
In the battle for third place, San Beda routed UST, 80–66.
RC Calimag caught fire in that game, firing 27 points, including seven triples.
