For the second time in two months, Jose Rizal University stamped its class in the preseason, capturing another title ahead of the NCAA Season 102 seniors basketball tournament, which begins on September 13 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Heavy Bombers completed a two-game sweep of defending NCAA champion San Beda, pulling away for a 74-67 victory in the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup finals on Thursday in San Juan.
JRU also ruled the 2026 U-Belt Invitational Tournament last June, defeating Emilio Aguinaldo College in the championship game.
Lawrence Mangubat provided the steady hand for the Heavy Bombers, finishing with 27 points, three rebounds, and three assists. He also knocked down the game-sealing free throws with 10.5 seconds remaining in front of a raucous crowd.
“Ayaw ko lang matalo,” admitted the shifty guard, who was also named Tournament MVP.
While Mangubat carried the offense, Mythical Team selection Chris Hubilla anchored JRU’s stifling defense.
His emphatic block on Daniel Marcelo in the final minute effectively extinguished San Beda’s comeback hopes as he capped the championship-clinching win with eight points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Beyond the duo, head coach Nani Epondulan showcased the Heavy Bombers’ depth, with several role players making key contributions in the title-clinching victory.
Stephen Garupil knocked down two crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter to keep San Beda at bay and finished with nine points.
Jahmir Eligado made the most of his surprise start, tallying 10 points and nine rebounds to fall just one board short of a double-double.
Defensive Player of the Year Allan Laurenaria also made his presence felt with nine points, four rebounds, and two steals.
“From the start, yun naman ang tinatrabaho namin. Mentally naiready namin sila,” said Epondulan.
Mangubat and Hubilla were joined on the Mythical Team by San Beda’s Aldous Torculas, Letran’s Titing Manalili, and University of the Philippines’ Veejay Pre.
The championship capped an impressive preseason campaign for JRU, which suffered just one defeat and dominated San Beda throughout, winning all three of their meetings, including a 70-59 Game 1 victory last Tuesday.
The Heavy Bombers also finally captured the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup title after settling for runner-up honors in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2006.
Zed Etulle led the Red Lions with 14 points and four rebounds in the loss, while Torculas was limited to 13 points on a tough 3-of-11 shooting from the field.
The Scores:
Jose Rizal 74 — Mangubat 27, Eligado 10, Laurenaria 9, Garupil 9, Hubilla 8, Salvador 5, Masiglat 3, Palis 2, Panapanaan 1, Garcia 0, Herrera 0.
San Beda 67 –– Etulle 14, Torculas 13, Marcelo 11, Puno 8, Songcuya 7, Bonzalida 6, Hawkins 5, Sarigumba 3, Estacio 0, RC. Calimag 0, Jamora 0, Ugaddan 0.
Quarterscores: 14-13, 29-28, 52-40, 74-67.
