José Rizal University unleashed a second-half offensive surge to overpower San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 102-78, and secure its third consecutive victory in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Heavy Bombers improved to 5-1 in Group A, tying College of Saint Benilde for the top spot in the standings.
“We started flat. So come halftime, we talked about it sa dugout na hindi ako kontento sa binibigay nilang effort. Credit to the boys, nakinig naman sila sa sinabi ko,” said JRU head coach Nani Epondulan.
San Sebastian rallied from a nine-point deficit to take a 39-35 lead in the second quarter. However, JRU responded behind Sean Salvador’s hot shooting, regaining control of the contest and establishing a 51-44 advantage at halftime.
The Heavy Bombers seized command in the second half, stretching their lead to as many as 16 points in the third quarter. They continued to fend off the Stags’ comeback attempts down the stretch to cruise to the victory.
Sanlea Penaverde put the finishing touches on the win, drilling a three-pointer with 35 seconds remaining to push JRU past the 100-point mark.
“For me, ‘yung perfect field goals wala lang sakin. ‘Yung tira di ko rin hinahanap, kusang dumadating lang ‘yan sakin, tinitira ko lang,” said Jalen Garcia, who finished with 13 points on perfect shooting from the field.
Five Heavy Bombers scored in double figures, led by Lawrence Mangubat, who tallied 20 points, eight assists, and three steals.
Chris Hubilla recorded a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Jahmir Eligado and Salvador chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Niel Castor paced San Sebastian with 17 points, while Ralph Gabat contributed 12 points and four assists. Dash Cuya added 10 points.
The Stags remained winless at 0-7 midway through the crossover round.
JRU will look to extend its winning streak against Emilio Aguinaldo College on Monday, October 12, while San Sebastian will seek its first victory against Lyceum of the Philippines University on Friday, October 16.
The Scores:
José Rizal 102 – Mangubat 20, Hubilla 14, Garcia 13, Eligado 12, Salvador 11, Penaverde 9, Herrera 6, Garupil 5, Laurenaria 5, Palis 4, Duque 3, Bagro 0, Panapanaan 0, Agemenyi 0, Castillo 0.
San Sebastian 78 – Castor 17, Gabat 12, Cuya 10, Suico 8, Ynot 7, Alforque 5, Velasco 5, Barroga 5, Muktimar 3, Ricio 2, Chuidian 2, Segovia 2, Bacani 0, Dimaunahan 0, Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 22-20, 51-44, 75-63, 102-78.
