By: Joaquin Cortez
Jose Rizal University saved its best stretch for last, unleashing a decisive fourth-quarter run to overpower Mapúa University, 71-58, and seize solo possession of first place in Group A of the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With the victory, the Heavy Bombers climbed past defending champion San Beda University and College of Saint Benilde to take the top spot in the Group of Death standings at 9-3. More importantly, JRU secured at least a quarterfinals berth and a top-three finish with one game remaining in the elimination round.
Meanwhile, Mapúa dropped to 6-6 and will have to secure its quarterfinals berth through the play-in round.
“We stick lang sa players na tingin namin makakasunod doon sa gusto naming ipagawa, especially sa defensive side. For the first three quarters, napag-aralan ng mga coaches kung sino yung mga ‘di nakakasunod and pinaiksi naman yung rotations no’ng fourth quarter,” said JRU head coach Nani Epondulan.
“We also want to make Lawrence (Mangubat) healthy going to the playoffs and hopefully sa playoffs, ma-carryover ‘yung momentum na nilalaro namin.”
The Heavy Bombers continued to play without Chris Hubilla, who sustained a Grade 2 MCL injury against San Beda last October 23.
After three quarters of back-and-forth action, JRU finally broke away in the payoff period, uncorking a 15-3 run to turn a tight contest into a comfortable double-digit advantage.
Lawrence Mangubat ignited the decisive surge by completing a four-point play, putting the Heavy Bombers ahead, 56-52.
Mapúa had a chance to respond after Yam Concepcion stole an inbound pass from Mangubat. However, the Cardinals failed to capitalize, as a hesitation in the paint resulted in another costly turnover, allowing Jahmir Eligado to finish the ensuing fast break with a layup and extend JRU’s lead to 59-52.
The Cardinals continued to unravel as Ivan Panapanaan capped the run with a putback off Sean Salvador’s missed shot, pushing the Heavy Bombers’ advantage to 63-52 with more than five minutes remaining.
Another Mapúa turnover proved costly down the stretch, setting up Jhillian Palis for a midrange jumper that gave JRU its biggest lead of the game at 71-55 with just 46 seconds left.
“Ni-ready ko lang sarili ko. Sa ensayo, pinapakita ko na deserve ko and ready naman ako sa gano’ng sitwasyon and ready naman ako sa gano’ng responsibilities para mag-lead,” said Mangubat, who paced JRU with 19 points, six rebounds, and two steals.
“Kinakausap ko lang [teammates ko] para maging composed at mag-guide sa mga coaches.”
Palis finished with 15 points to rank second for the Heavy Bombers, while Salvador contributed 11 points, one assist, and one steal.
For Mapúa, four Cardinals scored in double figures, with Concepcion, Marc Igliane, Cyrus Cuenco, and Jamal Diaz combining for 44 points. Ken Donnes added nine points and six rebounds in the losing effort.
JRU will look to secure the outright top spot in Group A when it takes on College of Saint Benilde on Friday, November 6, at 5:00 p.m. at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Mapúa, meanwhile, will aim to close its elimination-round campaign on a winning note against Lyceum of the Philippines University on Monday, November 9, at 3:00 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Scores:
Jose Rizal 71 – Mangubat 19, Palis 15, Salvador 11, Eligado 10, Laurenaria 7, Panapanaan 4, Herrera 3, Duque 2, Penaverde 0, Garcia 0, Castillo 0, Garupil 0, Masiglat 0.
Mapúa 58 – Concepcion 11, Igliane 11, Cuenco 11, Diaz 11, Dones 9, Nitura 4, Lazarte 1, Razon 0, Reyes 0, Liwanag 0, Mendoza 0.
Quarterscores: 15-19, 30-29, 50-50, 71-58.
