By: Miguel Caramoan
Sean Salvador stole the spotlight on Wednesday as Jose Rizal University bounced back from an early-season setback, topping Emilio Aguinaldo College, 69-66, in the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The freshman’s breakout performance — 24 points, seven rebounds, and two assists — complemented Allen Laurenaria’s 15 points and nine boards. Together, they propelled the Heavy Bombers to a hard-fought revenge win over EAC, avenging a 68-65 loss in the first round.
“Yung ginagawa ko lang is doon nagsisimula sa practice, yung mga scrimmage namin – lumalabas lang din sa laro. Ayun yung sinasabi ni Coach Nani, yung ginagawa mo sa practice, lalabas at lalabas din yun sa laro,” Salvador said, explaining how his dedication in practice translated into a career game.
The contest remained tight through the first half, tied at 35-all, with Salvador leading JRU with 14 points, while EAC relied on Kyle Ochavo’s 12 markers. The third quarter saw JRU seize momentum, using a 6-0 run sparked by Laurenaria and Salvador to pull ahead 45-37.
EAC, however, refused to go quietly. Jude Bagay’s jump shot gave the Generals a 52-51 edge early in the fourth, and a flurry of plays — including a three-point play from Bagay and a booming triple by Nico Quinal — pushed them ahead 65-61 with just 1:28 remaining.
But Salvador and Laurenaria were not done. Stephen Garupil’s three-pointer, followed by a clutch catch-and-shoot triple from Salvador, put JRU back on top at 67-65 with 37 seconds left. Salvador then calmly sank two free throws to seal the 69-66 victory with 11 seconds to spare.
The win lifts JRU to 6-5, moving above .500 and just a half-game behind the Benilde Blazers and Letran Knights for the second seed in Group B.
“Masyadong dikit-dikit yung standings, especially sa bracket namin. With this win, binigyan kami ng chance, na in God’s will, mag number three. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, returning to our bracket, sabi ko sa kanila na wala ng madali na laro,” coach Nani Epondulan said, reflecting on the team’s improved playoff positioning.
JRU now sets its sights on Group B leader San Beda in its second clash this season, scheduled Saturday at the same venue.
“Di ko na alam masasabi ko sa mga players ko kasi nag-overachieve na sila eh. Yung mga bata kasi talaga mga rookie and fresh from high school — showing this kind of character talagang iba, iba talaga. Sabi ko nga sa kanila na hindi ako nagkamali sa pagkuha sa kanila,” Epondulan added, praising his young squad’s remarkable character.
For EAC, the loss dents hopes of avoiding the play-in with the team now holding a 4-6 record, the worst in Group B. Ochavo led the Generals with 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Oftana and Bagay contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.
EAC will face Letran on Sunday, also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Scores:
JRU 69 – Salvador 24, Laurenaria 15, Argente 12, Garupil 8, Panapanaan 4, Duque 3, Herrera 2, Sarmiento 1, Benitez 0, Catapang 0, Castillo 0
EAC 66 – Ochavo 19, Oftana 12, Bagay 11, Quinal 8, Shanoda 5, Angeles 4, Doria 3, Castillo 2, Tolentino 2, Lucero 0, Villarente 0, Omandac 0, Bacud 0, Jacob 0
Quarterscores: 20-22, 35-35, 45-41, 69-66
