Jose Rizal University came out hot right from the opening tip-off as the Heavy Bombers’ explosive offensive performance in the first quarter resulted in an 88-72 blowout over Arellano University in the NCAA Season 99 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
Shawn Argente was the catalyst for the Heavy Bombers’ strong start, scoring 10 early points in the first quarter. Argente’s hot shooting created space for the rest of the JRU scorers.
The Heavy Bombers ended the first quarter with a 33-18 lead after scoring 33 points in the opening 10 minutes.
Argente finished with 15 points after a scorching performance against Arellano’s defenders in the first quarter.
The Heavy Bombers maintained their lead throughout the match. However, Arellano cut the deficit to just 11 in the third quarter, 54-43, after a jumper from Danielle Mallari with 5:39 remaining in the quarter.
The Heavy Bombers were undeterred by the Chiefs’ attempts at a comeback, though, continuing to extend their lead. They found themselves with a 25-point advantage in the fourth quarter, leading 83-58 with 4:32 left after a three-pointer from Joshua Guiab.
The Heavy Bombers were without their head coach, Louie Gonzales, who missed the match to attend his child’s graduation.
“He simply told us yesterday to do the right thing as a team. Put yourselves in a position to win, and that’s it. Don’t think that you’ve already won the game because they can also play,” explained coach Alex Callueng.
Team captain Ry Dela Rosa also returned to the JRU lineup in Gonzales’ absence after missing most of the first round due to illness.
The streaky shooter played for just three minutes as the Heavy Bombers slowly reintroduced him to the game while he regained his conditioning. His presence on the bench as a leader was crucial for the win.
Callueng explained that he and the coaching staff emphasized to the players not to focus on their significant advantage. Instead, they should concentrate on making the right plays, which helped them maintain their focus throughout the match.
“We never pushed for ‘expanding our lead.’ We always emphasized playing defense and doing the right thing, sharing the ball. It’s always like that because if we focus on points, how much we’re leading, etc., we will never win any game. The teaching from top to bottom is always to do the right thing, follow the system, trust your teammates, and not focus on the numbers,” said Callueng.
Marwin Dionisio was a thorn in Arellano’s side, exploding with 21 points on a highly efficient 81.8% shooting from the field and 75-percent from three-point range.
Agem Miranda came off the bench for JRU, and the talented guard was still productive with his 15 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. Meanwhile, JL Delos Santos had an all-around game with seven points, three rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.
The Heavy Bombers concluded the first round of season 99 with a blowout victory, giving them a 6-3 record. They are now level with Lyceum of the Philippines University for third place in the standings.
The two contenders will have the chance to break the tie as they face off on Tuesday at 2:00 PM.
Danielle Mallari led the Chiefs in scoring with 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Meanwhile, Jade Talampas added 14 points and seven rebounds of his own.
On the other hand, Lorenz Capulong gave the Heavy Bombers trouble in the paint, nearing a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds. Ernest Gernomio had 11 points on a perfect 5/5 shooting.
The Chiefs have now lost four straight games for the second time this season, finishing the first round of season 99 with a 1-8 record.
They hope to turn their season around in the second half as they tip off the second round against San Beda University on Friday at 2:00 PM.
The Scores:
JRU 88 – Dionisio 21, Miranda 15, Argente 15, Arenal 8, Guiab 6, Delos Santos 5, Sarmiento 5, Ramos 4, De Leon 4, Pabico 3, Medina 2, Sy 0, Dela Rosa 0, Barrera 0, Mosqueda 0
AU 72 – Mallari 15, Talampas 14, Capulong 12, Geronimo 11, Rosalin 9, Ongotan 5, Abastillas 4, Villarente 2, Dayrit 0, Tan 0, Dela Cruz 0, Lustina 0
Quarterscores: 33-18, 54-36, 67-53, 88-72
