With their backs against the wall, Sean Salvador wasn’t Jose Rizal University’s first option — but he proved that he’s still the man for the Heavy Bombers when needed most.
Down by two with 2.2 seconds left in the game, head coach Nani Epondulan entrusted Lawrence Mangubat with the game-winning triple.
But with the transferee from Mapúa being triple-teamed by his former teammates, Salvador received the kickout pass and calmly drilled the corner three.
“Syempre, breaks of the game na rin. Naniniwala lang ako kay Lord na ‘yung pasa sa akin ni Mangubat na sabi ko, pinapractice ko ’to. Nadadala naman sa loob ng court,” said Salvador, who finished the game with nine points.
“Actually, ‘yung play talaga kay Mangubat talaga ‘yon. Pero grabe yung double sa kanya; tatlong tao, apat na tao, so good assist din kay Mangubat na pinasa niya sa corner sa akin.”
Monday’s debut game for both the Heavy Bombers and Cardinals was uniquely personal, with multiple former Mapúans now suiting up for JRU, including Mangubat and Chris Hubilla.
Salvador himself was a former Red Robin alongside his now-teammates at JRU.
Mangubat had a breakout night of his own, putting up a game-high 22 points. While Salvador finished with just nine, his impact proved immeasurable as his corner three secured a dramatic 76-75 victory for the Heavy Bombers.
The 21-year-old from Rizal also highlighted the importance of Epondulan and assistant coach Yong Garcia, who were key pieces of Mapúa’s basketball program before moving on to JRU.
Now reunited with former Cardinals and Red Robins alike, Salvador emphasized the mentality instilled in them by their coaches, especially after the Heavy Bombers were crowned champions of multiple preseason tournaments.
“Nagpapasalamat din ako kina Coach Yong and Coach Yani talaga. Hanggang dulo, alam namin, Mapúa, doon kami nanggaling. Hindi magiging madali itong laban na ‘to. May magandang game talaga na mangyayari,” the six-foot guard added.
“Sinasabi sa amin ni Coach Nani, huwag namin iakyat sa ulo yung preseason champs, preseason lang yun eh. Pinaghandaan lang namin yung Mapúa, malayo pa lang. Alam namin, gigil din sila eh kasi last year, tinalo namin sila sa eliminations.”
Having been with the Heavy Bombers since last season, Salvador believes his familiarity with JRU’s system played a big role in earning the green light to take the biggest shot of the game.
Trailing by two at halftime, the break also gave Epondulan and the coaching staff a chance to spark some much-needed fire in the Heavy Bombers, as recalled by the Rizal native.
“Noong halftime, sinasabi lang sa amin: mag-loosen up, ’wag masyadong magigil; papasok naman ang mga tira namin,” he shared.
In the end, his most important shot did.
