MANILA — Sean Salvador buried a dramatic go-ahead three-pointer with 2.2 seconds remaining as Jose Rizal University stunned Mapua University, 65-64, in Group A of the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Monday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
With the Heavy Bombers trailing 62-64 in the dying seconds, Salvador took a pass from Laurence Mangubat and calmly knocked down the biggest shot of the night to complete JRU’s late comeback.
Mapua still had one final opportunity to steal the victory, but Lance Nitura’s jumper went in and out as time expired, allowing the Heavy Bombers to escape with the one-point win.
“Breaks of the game na lang rin. Naniwala lang ako kay Lord,” said Salvador, who finished with nine points. “‘Yong pasa sa’kin ni (Laurence) Mangubat, alam ko na, e. Pina-practice ko ‘yon. ‘Di kami bumitaw sa sistema ng coaches hanggang dulo.”
The Cardinals appeared headed for victory after building a 64-59 advantage with only 1:15 remaining, but the Heavy Bombers refused to fold.
Jay Garupil sparked JRU’s closing run with a short stab at the 1:09 mark to trim Mapua’s lead to 64-61.
Mangubat then split his free throws with 22.5 seconds remaining to pull the Heavy Bombers within two, 64-62, setting the stage for Salvador’s game-winning triple.
Mangubat led JRU with 22 points, seven rebounds and five steals, while Allan Laurenaria posted a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Cyrus Nitura paced Mapua with 17 points and 11 rebounds but struggled badly from the free-throw line, converting just three of his 13 attempts. Marc Cuenco added 13 points in the loss.
Meanwhile, Arellano University made an emphatic season debut with a 98-72 demolition of San Sebastian College-Recoletos in Group B action.
T-Mc Ongotan spearheaded the Chiefs’ offensive assault with 23 points, six assists and three steals, while Basty Valencia and Renzo Abiera chipped in 12 points apiece.
San Sebastian struggled to recover from a slow start, with Matt Acosta leading the Golden Stags with 13 points and 11 rebounds. John Ynot also scored 13 points in the losing effort./PN
