José Rizal University overcame a 14-point deficit to stun Arellano University, 64-62, in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With the victory, the Heavy Bombers notched their second straight win to improve to 4-1 in Group A, while the Chiefs slipped to 4-2 in Group B.
“Noong halftime, I challenged them na we’re in a different scenario kasi kami lagi lamang going into halftime. So sabi ko sa kanila, it’s a test of character for them and the whole team kung paano tayo babalik,” said JRU head coach Nani Epondulan.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, ‘yung energy at ‘yung effort i-pick up lang nila and good things will happen,” he added.
Arellano controlled the first half, forcing JRU to shoot just 9-of-34 from the field as the Chiefs built a 42-31 lead at halftime.
The Chiefs still held an 11-point advantage with three minutes left in the third quarter before the Heavy Bombers mounted a 9-2 run to trim the deficit to four, 53-49, heading into the final frame.
JRU, however, struggled offensively early in the fourth quarter, going scoreless from the field for the first six minutes of the period.
Arellano failed to capitalize on the drought, though, as Chris Hubilla’s layup pulled the Heavy Bombers within three with four minutes remaining.
The Chiefs then went cold themselves, allowing Lawrence Mangubat to tie the game at 57-all with a clutch three-pointer.
Hubilla gave JRU its first lead of the game after splitting his free throws with 2:52 remaining, but Ernest Geronimo restored the deadlock at 58-all by making one of two free throws.
T-Mac Ongotan then put Arellano back in front with a tough one-handed bank shot with 1:45 left before Joseph Hernal extended the lead to four, 62-58, with two free throws.
Mangubat kept the Heavy Bombers within striking distance, drilling another three-pointer with 19.9 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to one.
JRU then forced a turnover on Arellano’s ensuing full-court inbound, giving the Heavy Bombers another opportunity to take control.
Sean Salvador was fouled on his shot attempt and calmly sank both free throws to put JRU ahead, 63-62.
With less than 10 seconds remaining, Ongotan had a chance to reclaim the lead for the Chiefs but missed his potential go-ahead layup.
Hubilla then split his free throws on the other end, giving JRU enough cushion to secure the comeback victory.
“Sobrang thankful ako kasi binibigay sa akin ‘yung ganoong kumpiyansa ni Coach Nani at ng mga kasama ko,” said Mangubat.
Mangubat led JRU with 14 points, nine rebounds, and three steals, while Hubilla also scored 14 points to go with five rebounds.
Ongotan was Arellano’s lone double-digit scorer, finishing with 23 points and nine rebounds.
Basti Valencia was held scoreless in the second half after scoring nine points in the opening two quarters.
The Heavy Bombers will next face San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Friday, Oct. 9, at 3:00 p.m., while the Chiefs will take on College of Saint Benilde at 5:00 p.m.
Both games will be played at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Scores:
José Rizal 64 – Mangubat 14, Hubilla 14, Garcia 7, Eligado 6, Salvador 6, Panapanaan 5, Penaverde 4, Palis 3, Garupil 2, Laurenaria 2, Duque 1, Herrera 0.
Arellano 62 – Ongotan 23, Valencia 9, Vinoya 6, Hernal 6, Flores 6, Borromeo 5, Buenaventura 2, Abiera 2, Langit 2, Geronimo 1, Camay 0, Cabotaje 0.
Quarterscores: 14-18, 31-42, 49-53, 64-62.
