By: Joaquin Cortez
Jahmir Eligado and Jose Rizal University showed no mercy after a tough loss, as the Bombers unleashed a relentless performance to hammer the Lyceum of the Philippines University, 94-66, and close out the first round of the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Group Stage on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Eligado was unstoppable, posting 22 points on a perfect 10-of-10 shooting while hauling down 16 rebounds as JRU bounced back emphatically from its first loss of the season at the hands of San Beda last Saturday to improve to 3-1 and finish the first phase of the elimination round tied with College of Saint Benilde and the Red Lions for first place.
The victory also gave JRU its best start since Season 99, when it opened the 2023 campaign with a 4-1 record through its first five games.
“Actually, no’ng practice namin kahapon, nag-usap-usap kami and I told the boys na ‘This game would be more on mental and a test of character for us and kung paano kami mag-bounce back after a tough loss,'” Bombers head coach Nani Epondulan said. “Credit to the boys and credit to the players na nag-step up silang lahat and nakuha namin ‘yong panalo.”
Lawrence Mangubat wasted little time setting the tone for JRU, scoring 12 of the Bombers’ first 19 points to ignite their offense.
Roger Ondoa kept Lyceum within striking distance with 11 points in the opening frame, but JRU still took a 25-22 lead into the second quarter.
The Bombers then turned the game into a rout.
JRU’s relentless fastbreak attack fueled a 16-2 run midway through the second period, with Mangubat and Eligado taking turns punishing the Pirates as the lead ballooned to 18 points.
By halftime, the Bombers had seized complete control, 53-35.
Lyceum tried to mount a response in the third quarter, but JRU refused to let up. Nath Fuentes and Sean Salvador traded 3-pointers as the teams exchanged baskets, yet the Bombers maintained their commanding advantage and entered the final period ahead, 71-51.
Even with the Pirates increasing their defensive pressure, JRU continued to dictate the tempo on both ends of the floor, keeping Lyceum from making any serious push in the fourth.
The Bombers’ dominance was reflected in the numbers, as they won the rebounding battle, 47-22, and held a 26-13 advantage in fastbreak points.
Mangubat led JRU with 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists, combining with Eligado for 45 points.
“Siyempre thankful ako na binibigay ako ni Coach Nani ng minutes and nagtitiwala din teammates ko [sa akin], so credits din sa kanila kasi tinratrabaho lang namin ang role namin,” Eligado said.
The loss dropped Lyceum to 1-3 heading into the crossover round.
Ondoa paced the Pirates with 22 points, four rebounds, and three steals, while Simon Penafiel chipped in 12 points.
JRU will begin its crossover round campaign against Arellano University on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 3:00 p.m., while Lyceum takes on Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 5:00 p.m.
The Scores:
Jose Rizal 94 – Mangubat 23, Eligado 22, Hubilla 9, Garcia 8, Penaverde 8, Salvador 6, Garupil 5, Herrera 3, Palis 3, Duque 3, Masiglat 2, Panapanaan 2, Bagro 0, Mejia 0.
Lyceum 69 – Ondoa 21, Penafiel 12, Rubico 9, Matienzo 6, Daileg 6, Pallingayan 4, Manuel 4, Fuentes 3, Aurigue 3, Nocum 1, Guadana 0, Aviles 0, Cardinas 0, Panelo 0.
Quarterscores: 25-22, 53-35, 71-51, 94-69.
