Jose Rizal University isn’t done making believers out of its program.
The Heavy Bombers took a major step toward the championship after defeating San Beda, 70-59, in Game One of the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive on Tuesday.
Lawrence Mangubat and Chris Hubilla showcased their championship pedigree, leading JRU closer to its first Filoil preseason crown in the tournament, which is backed by Hanes, Buffalo’s Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature’s Spring, EO Executive Optical, FWD Insurance, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, B’lue Vita Boost, Mejos Lechon Cebu, and Don Benito’s.
“Before, laging kong sinasabi sa inyo na nag-mature na yung mga players. Pero iba yung leadership na dinala ni Chris at tsaka ni Lawrence sa team,” said head coach Nani Epondulan.
Mangubat orchestrated JRU’s offense with 22 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Hubilla anchored the defense and finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
The rest of the Heavy Bombers also made their presence felt on the defensive end, forcing the Red Lions into 18 turnovers in the historic all-NCAA championship showdown.
JRU will have a chance to complete the sweep on Thursday, with Game Two scheduled at 5 p.m., as it seeks to capture its first Filoil preseason title after finishing runner-up in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2006.
“Alam naman natin kung gaano na katagal [hindi nag-champion ang JRU sa NCAA]. Pero binubuhay namin ulit yung winning culture ng school. Mahirap, pero pag nagawa naman namin at tinrabaho namin, hindi sila makakalimutan ng tao,” Epondulan added.
Zed Etulle led San Beda with 14 points and four rebounds, emerging as the Red Lions’ lone double-digit scorer.
The Scores:
José Rizal 70 — Mangubat 22, Hubilla 19, Garupil 9, Panapanaan 6, Eligado 6, Garcia 6, Laurenaria 2, Salvador 0, Herrera 0, Duque 0, Lozano 0, Masiglat 0, Palis 0.
San Beda 59 — Etulle 14, Torculas 9, Hawkins 8, Bonzalida 7, Marcelo 6, Estacio 5, Puno 5, Sarigumba 3, Songcuya 2, RC. Calimag 0, Dabao 0, Jamora 0, Jalbuena 0, Ri. Calimag 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19, 41-37, 56-48, 70-59.
