Clutch Ry Dela Rosa lifted Jose Rizal University past Arellano University to a thrilling 70-67 victory in the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament, Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With the game tied with 4.8 second left, Dela Rosa knocked down a corner triple. That gave the Bombers a three point lead, 70-67.
Coming from a timeout, JL Delos Santos then gave a tough challenge on a Cade Flores three-attempt.
Controversy happened soon after. Cholo Martin and the Chiefs walked out of the game with 0.3 seconds left, with Neil Tolentino still owed a free throw.
Tolentino eventually came out to finish the game off.
“Siguro ‘yung closing nung game, it’s just a matter and kung sino ‘yung mas malakas pa eh ‘yung mas malakas pang tatapos eh. In terms of conditioning, in terms of focus kasi, pareho kami. Pareho kami ng Arellano e in that stage, pareho kami pagod na eh,” said Heavy Bombers head coach Louie Gonzalez.
“And ako naman, alam naman ng players ko na we need to overcome ‘yung pagod namin kasi that’s the only way for us to compete,” he added.
Down by 11, 45-56, William Sy’s 13 points helped spark JRU’s 18-0 run. That got them back in the ball game while also taking a 63-56 advantage.
The Chiefs were able to keep it close until Danielle Mallari was able to tie it as 67 after a bucket with 1:03 left.
Joshua Guiab paved the way for the Bombers scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds, and three assists. John Delos Santos also had a double-double of 10 markers and 11 boards.
William Sy and Marwin Dionisio had 13 and 12 a piece, both with six boards.
Axel Doromal’s 24-point outing went to waste. He also had four rebounds and two assists.
Up next for JRU is College of St. Benilde on Sunday at 3:00 PM. Meanwhile, AU will take on the same opponent on Wednesday at the same time.
The Scores:
JRU 70 — Guiab 17, Sy 13, Dionisio 12, Delos Santos 10, Miranda 7, Dela Rosa 4, Celis 3, Amores 2, Arenal 2, Medina 0, Villarin 0, Joson 0, De Jesus 0.
Arellano 67 –– Doromal 24, Menina 13, Flores 8, Mallari 7, Tolentino 7, Oliva 6, Abastillas 2, Punzalan 0, Oftana 0, Domingo 0.
Quarterscores: 23-21, 35-36, 45-56, 70-67.
