Jose Rizal University survived a late-game scare from Lyceum of the Philippines University, 81-78, in its first game without bruiser Chris Hubilla in Group A of the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Hubilla sustained a partial medial collateral ligament tear during the Heavy Bombers’ game against San Beda University last week and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Despite the absence of their physical presence inside, the Heavy Bombers bounced back from their loss to the Red Lions to improve to a group-best 8-3 record, while dealing the Pirates their sixth defeat in 10 games.
JRU also completed a sweep of its two-game series against Lyceum after winning their first-round encounter, 94-69, on September 29.
The Heavy Bombers appeared poised to pull away after taking a four-point lead, 79-75, with 1:23 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, Matthew Rubico converted an and-one play to bring the Pirates within a point, 79-78, with just 16 seconds left.
Coming off the bench, Lawrence Mangubat showed composure under pressure by sinking two free throws on the ensuing possession to restore JRU’s three-point cushion, 81-78.
Lyceum had 9.2 seconds to force overtime, but its attempts to tie the game through Lance Aurigue and Renz Villegas fell short, allowing the Heavy Bombers to escape with the victory.
Sanlea Peñaverde led JRU with 22 points, five assists, four steals, and three rebounds.
“’Di naman sila (Lyceum) basta-basta sumusuko; last season, muntik pa silang mag-Final Four. Kapag pinapanood ko sila, malakas talaga at iba talaga ‘yong laro nila,” said Peñaverde.
Sean Salvador contributed 16 points, while Mangubat added 12 points in his return from a shoulder injury. Ivan Panapanaan chipped in 10 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double.
Villegas paced Lyceum with 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Jonathan Daileg and Rubico finished with 15 and 12 points, respectively.
JRU will next face Mapúa University on November 3 at the same venue, while Lyceum looks to bounce back against College of Saint Benilde on Friday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
The Scores:
Jose Rizal 81 – Penaverde 22, Salvador 16, Mangubat 12, Panapanaan 10, Eligado 6, Agemenyi 6, Laurenaria 4, Herrera 3, Garcia 2, Palis 0, Masiglat 0, Duque 0, Bagro 0
Lyceum 78 – Villegas 20, Daileg 15, Rubico 12, Aurigue 10, Matienzo 9, Guadana 7, Fuentes 5, Manuel 0, Penafiel 0, Almario 0, Caduyac 0, Nocum 0, Pallingayan 0, Gordon 0, Cardinas 0
Quarterscores: 24-13, 46-42, 63-56, 81-78
