Allen Laurenaria’s overtime heroics lifted José Rizal University past University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 72-70, in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Heavy Bombers bounced back from their 70-66 loss to Colegio de San Juan de Letran last Thursday, improving to a 7-2 record and claiming solo first place in Group A to close out the crossover round.
“Sakin naman pinagtrabahuhan ko naman ’to. Nag-struggle ako sa mga past games ko at ginawa kong motivation ‘yon para makabalik ako,” said Laurenaria, who knocked down JRU’s final two baskets in overtime, including the game-winner.
Perpetual opened the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run in the first four minutes before JRU responded with a 6-0 counter to cut the deficit to three with 2:49 remaining.
With just over two minutes left, JM Tulabut extended the Altas’ lead to five before being called for a flagrant foul. The Heavy Bombers capitalized on the sequence to stay within striking distance.
Gelo Gelsano’s fourth triple gave Perpetual a seven-point cushion, but JRU rallied behind Laurence Mangubat and Laurenaria to pull within one with under a minute remaining.
After Aries Borja split his free throws with 24 seconds left, Chris Hubilla’s transition layup tied the game at 65-all. JRU then held on to force overtime as LA Casinillo missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer.
Salvador broke the deadlock in overtime by sinking both free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt, but Mark Gojo Cruz responded with a layup to cut the deficit to one.
With 41 seconds remaining, Laurenaria extended JRU’s lead with a fastbreak layup off a steal before Casinillo drilled a clutch triple to tie the game at 70-all.
On the final play, Laurenaria came up big with an offensive rebound and put-back with 1.5 seconds left, allowing the Heavy Bombers to escape with the victory.
“Credit to the boys na hindi bumitaw sa sistema until the end. Grabe talaga ‘yung NCAA Season 102, walang laro na madali, talagang ang hihirap,” said JRU head coach Nani Epondulan.
Laurenaria finished with a game-high 20 points and six rebounds, while Hubilla recorded a double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds.
JRU will look to build on its momentum and avenge its first-round loss to defending champion San Beda University on Friday, October 23, at 5:00 p.m. at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the Altas suffered their sixth consecutive defeat, their third in overtime, to close out the crossover round. They dropped to 2-7 in Group B.
Casinillo also posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds for Perpetual, while Gelsano nearly matched the feat with 18 points and nine rebounds. Borja added 16 points in the loss.
Perpetual will look to snap its losing streak when it faces Arellano University on Monday, October 26, at 5:00 p.m. at the same venue.
The Scores:
José Rizal 72 – Laurenaria 20, Hubilla 15, Duque 9, Salvador 7, Penaverde 7, Eligado 6, Mangubat 5, Garupil 2, Bagro 1, Panapanaan 0, Garcia 0, Masiglat 0, Palis 0.
Perpetual 70 – Gelsano 18, Borja 16, Casinillo 12, Tulabut 7, Gojo Cruz 6, Maglupay 5, Corpuz 3, Duremdes 2, Orgo 1.
Quarterscores: 17-21, 31-32, 47-47, 65-65, 72-70.
