Jose Rizal University secured the first twice-to-beat advantage in Group A of the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Quarterfinals, turning back College of St. Benilde, 85-79, to wrap up its elimination-round campaign on a high note Friday at the FilOil Centre.
The Heavy Bombers finished with a 10-3 record, good for the top spot in Group A and ahead of second-running San Beda (8-3).
The victory also spoiled the season debut of two-time league MVP Allen Liwag, who made his first appearance of the season after being limited to six points and three rebounds in 15 minutes of action.
Benilde, meanwhile, still has a chance to claim the remaining twice-to-beat incentive when it faces San Beda next week.
For JRU head coach Nani Epondulan, the opportunity to secure a favorable postseason position was not lost on his players, particularly given the significance of the achievement for the school.
“Coming into the game today, alam naman namin kung ga’no kaimportante ‘to,” said Epondulan.
“I told them na matagal nang nakalimutan ‘tong school natin. I told them, they’re writing history so hangga’t hawak namin kapalaran namin, tatrabahuhin lang namin.”
The Heavy Bombers had to withstand a late Benilde rally after building a nine-point cushion, 79-70, in the closing stages.
Ian Torres sparked the Blazers’ comeback with a five-point personal contribution, drilling a triple to bring Benilde within four, 79-75, with 1:34 remaining.
Lawrence Mangubat quickly answered with a difficult midrange basket, restoring JRU’s six-point advantage at 81-75 with 23 seconds left.
Torres connected from beyond the arc once more to keep Benilde within striking distance, but Mangubat calmly converted both free throws with 16 seconds remaining to preserve the Heavy Bombers’ advantage and put the game out of reach.
Mangubat spearheaded JRU’s attack with 27 points, while Sean Salvador and Jahmir Eligado chipped in 16 apiece.
John Morales paced the Blazers with 16 points, followed by Justine Sanchez with 13, as Benilde slipped to an 8-4 record.
Despite already securing the twice-to-beat advantage, Epondulan stressed that his squad would not afford itself the luxury of looking too far ahead, especially with its quarterfinal opponent still undetermined.
“If I’m not mistaken, lahat ng teams na puwede naming kalabanin, nanalo kami sa breaks of the game lang,” said the JRU mentor. “As a coach, I don’t want to think na may twice-to-beat kami. First game pa lang, gusto na namin kunin ‘yong panalo.”
The Scores:
Jose Rizal 85 – Mangubat 27, Salvador 16, Eligado 16, Laurenaria 9, Palis 6, Masiglat 5, Penaverde 4, Garupil 2, Agemenyi 0, Panapanaan 0
Saint Benilde 79 – Morales 16, Sanchez 13, Moore 9, Torres 8, Cajucom 7, Ancheta 6, Liwag 6, Celis 6, Lorenzo 3, Podador 3, Galas 2, Jucom 0
Quarterscores: 20-23, 45-39, 69-59, 85-79
