The Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers were hoping to string a winning streak Friday afternoon in facing the Lyceum of the University Pirates.
The Heavy Bombers held the Pirates to just nine first quarter points, displaying the patented defense head coach Vergel Meneses has preached in his entire tenure with the Shaw Boulevard cagers.
“Since nahawakan ko ‘yung JRU, we’re known for defense e. Alam nila ‘yan. Alam niyo siguro ‘yan, but now, parang wala eh,” Meneses shared.
Adrian Alban scored 19 points in just 18 minutes of action, going 7-for-10 from the field
As the lead ballooned to 13 in the second frame, the Heavy Bombers let their guard down, specifically its interior defense. Lyceum big man Harry Nzeusseu lambasted the almost non-existent defense of JRU’s big man, notching a double-double with 24 points and 21 rebounds. Moreover, seldom-utilized guard Adrian Alban slashed through the lanes to the tune of 19 markers to help Lyceum upset the heavily-favored Heavy Bombers.
“Defensive lapses,” the PBA legend rued as they were outrebounded by a huge margin, 60 to 32. Moreover, 60.8 percent of Lyceum’s points came from inside the paint.“Nag-rotate sila sa import nila. Eh we’re late on rotating, so layup after layup.”
“They think siguro na we’re winning because of talent nila, ‘yung offense nila, but hindi eh.”
After scolding his team two weeks ago, Meneses huddled his team after the upset loss and asked his players to talk and share what they think are the resolutions to the problems the team is experiencing.
“We shared things [sa dugout], para baka matauhan kasi parang they were relaxed eh. Wala ‘yung fire nila,” Meneses shared.
Meneses is hoping that this will finally solve JRU’s woes as they face a dangerous EAC Generals squad on Thursday, July 21 at 2:00pm.
