By: Brenn Allen Flores
Jose Rizal University secured a thrilling victory against Arellano University, 92-89, marking its second win in the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The hard-fought game featured a total of 11 deadlocks and 16 lead changes.
JRU gained an advantage primarily through their dominance on the boards, collecting 51 rebounds compared to Arellano’s efforts.
However, the Chiefs found success inside, scoring an impressive 62 points in the paint against the Heavy Bombers’ 26. This contrast in scoring strategies set the stage for an exciting contest.
Marvin Raymundo and Shawn Argente led the Heavy Bombers’ charge in the first half, contributing 18 and 12 points, respectively. Their efforts allowed JRU to edge out a narrow 49-48 lead heading into the second half.
The back-and-forth nature of the game continued as both teams exchanged leads throughout the third quarter.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, JRU finally established an eight-point lead with two minutes remaining. Key plays from Josh Guiab, who converted a three-point play, and Argente, who sank a floater and a three-pointer, pushed the score to 80-72.
Guiab later extended the lead to nine points, 87-78, with under a minute left on the clock.
Despite the Heavy Bombers’ late-game surge, the Chiefs mounted a determined comeback, narrowing the deficit to just three points, 92-89, and giving them a chance to tie the game.
However, Renzo Abiera’s attempt at a game-tying three-pointer fell short, resulting in the Chiefs suffering their fifth defeat of the tournament.
Meanwhile, JRU celebrated their second victory, improving its win-loss record to 2-4.
Raymundo led the Heavy Bombers with a standout performance, scoring 21 points and grabbing seven rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the field.
Argente and Guiab also made significant contributions, adding 20 and 18 points, respectively.
Looking ahead, JRU will aim for a third consecutive win when they face Mapua University on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 12 p.m.
For Arellano, Jeadan Ongotan stood out with 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
He was supported by Lorenz Capulong and Basti Valencia, who each chipped in 15 points.
The Chiefs will seek to secure their second win against San Beda University on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 11 a.m.
The Scores:
Jose Rizal 92 – Raymundo 21, Argente 20, Guiab 18, Barrera 14, Medina 5, Panapanaan 4, Pangilinan 3, Benitez 2, Mosqueda 2, Lozano 2, Sarmiento 1, Ferrer 0, De Leon 0, Samontanes 0.
Arellano 89 – Ongotan 20, Capulong 15, Valencia 15, Vinoya 10, Camay 9, Abiera 8, Hernal 6, Borromeo 2, Geronimo 2, Libang 2, Estacio 0, Espiritu 0, Miller 0, Rosalin 0.
Quarterscores: 27-23, 49-48, 63-63, 92-89.
