Jose Rizal University (JRU) survived a fierce late-game rally from the Lyceum of the Philippines University to secure an 81-78 victory in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at the San Juan Arena on Tuesday, October 27.
The Heavy Bombers nearly squandered a commanding 12-point advantage midway through the fourth quarter as the Pirates mounted a strong comeback. However, Lawrence Mangubat calmly sank two crucial free throws in the dying seconds to seal the win and steady the ship for JRU.
With the victory, the Heavy Bombers improved to an 8-3 record, breaking away from a three-way tie with the College of Saint Benilde and defending champions San Beda, both holding 7-3 cards, to claim the solo No. 1 spot in Group A. Meanwhile, Lyceum saw its three-game winning streak snapped, dropping to a 4-6 record at the bottom of the standings.
Sanlea Penaverde spearheaded JRU’s offensive attack with 22 points, featuring 6-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc, alongside five assists and four steals. Sean Salvador chipped in 16 points, Mangubat added 12, and Ivan Panapanaan delivered a solid double-double performance with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
JRU will enjoy a week-long break before facing Mapua next Tuesday, November 3, at the same venue.
For Lyceum, Villegas led the charge with 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Jonathan Daileg and Rubico contributed 15 and 12 points, respectively. The Pirates look to bounce back when they take on CSB this Friday, October 30, at the San Andres Gym.
In the day’s other matchup, Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) dominated San Sebastian College-Recoletos from tip-off to final buzzer, cruising to a 96-64 triumph to return to the winner’s circle.
The Generals controlled the tempo throughout to improve their record to 4-6 in Group A, while the Stags suffered their 11th consecutive defeat. MJ Raymundo paced EAC with 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists, supported by Joseph Nunag with 16 points, EJ Castillo with 13, and Jude Bagay with 10.
Caesleyh Bacani led San Sebastian with a game-high 22 points in the losing effort.