Jose Rizal University prevailed in the game of runs in the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament after beating Lyceum University, 63-57, on Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Down by nine, 47-56, entering the final five minutes of the contest, the Heavy Bombers sparked a 16-1 run in the endgame to take the win.
“Actually hindi ko nga napansin na it was a 16-1 run eh. Especially during the second half, nung naramdaman ko na yung game na to it’s a matter of my players playing as a unit and playing together,” said JRU head coach Louie Gonzalez.
The Pirates started the second period with a 13-2 run to get a 33-20 advantage and eventually take a nine-point, 38-29 lead at the half.
JRU however answered back with their own 12-0 blast in the opening of the third canto capped by a JL Delos Santos bucket to get back in the game, however, Lyceum was able to retain the lead with a slight 49-43 advantage heading to the fourth.
The Heavy Bombers finally grabbed the lead with 1:45 remaining following a Marwin Dionisio three-point play, highlighting his 11-point quarter.
Shawn Umali split his free throw in the next possession before John Amores nailed the dagger with a floater with 27-ticks left, 61-57.
Dionisio had a game-high 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting together with 10 rebounds and an assist, while William Sy added 10 markers, eight boards, and a dime.
JM Bravo was the only Pirate who scored double figures with 11 points and nine rebounds.
Both teams now have an identical record of 5-2, with JRU holding the advantage at the second spot.
The Heavy Bombers will look to extend their streak to six against San Sebastian College-Recoletos (2-4) on Tuesday at 12 NN, while the Pirates will play the same opponent on the same time on Sunday.
The Scores:
JRU 63 — Dionisio 15, Sy 10, Amores 8, Guiab 7, Delos Santos 6, Gonzales 6, Dela Rosa 5, Medina 4, Miranda 2, Celis 0, Arenal 0, Joson 0, Villarin 0.
Lyceum 57 — Bravo 11, Barba 9, Guadana 7, Penafiel 7, Umali 5, Valdez 4, Cunanan 4, Larupay 3, Villegas 3, Omandac 3, Navarro 1, Montano 0.
Quarterscores: 18-16, 29-38, 43-49, 63-57.
