By: Joaquin Cortez
Despite having former champions Lawrence Mangubat and Chris Hubilla in tow, Sean Salvador proved that Jose Rizal University is still his team.
Salvador came through when it mattered most, drilling the go-ahead triple with 2.2 seconds left as the Heavy Bombers escaped the Mapúa University Cardinals, 65-64, to open their NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament campaign on Monday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
With Mapúa holding a 64-62 lead with 18.7 seconds remaining, Cyrus Nitura had a chance to put the game away but missed both free throws.
The Heavy Bombers made the Cardinals pay on the ensuing possession, as Mangubat found Salvador open in the corner, where he calmly knocked down the game-winning three-pointer to give JRU a 65-64 advantage.
Mapúa had one last chance to steal the victory, but Lance Nitura’s potential game-winning shot rattled out as the Bombers escaped with the win.
