MANILA – Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers returned to its winning ways in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament after defeating Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates, 94-69, on Tuesday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
After absorbing a three-point loss at the hands of San Beda University Red Lions over the weekend, the Heavy Bombers dominated the Pirates to improve to a 3-1 record in Group A.
“No’ng practice namin kahapon, I told the players that this game will be more on mental,” coach Nani Epondulan said. “This was a test of character, kung pa’no kami mag-bounce back sa tough loss.”
The Heavy Bombers held just a three-point lead at the end of the first quarter, 25-22, before heating up with a 28-point second period that gave the Pirates a hard time to play catch-up.
By the intermission, the Heavy Bombers held an insurmountable 53-35 lead, a deficit the Pirates were unable to chase until the end.
Lawrence Mangubat top-scored for the Heavy Bombers with a team-high 23 points while Jamir Eligado held down the fort with a double-double of 22 points and 16 rebounds.
Roger Ondoa dropped 21 points in Lyceum’s third loss in four games. Simon Penafiel also scattered 12 in the defeat.
Meanwhile, Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (1-3) finally secured its first victory this season, holding off San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags (0-4), 94-87, in Group B action.
Wilmar Oftana and Jacob Shanoda led EAC with 18 points apiece, while MJ Raymundo added 17 and Harvae Raymundo finished with 12. EJ Castillo contributed eight points, including his crucial fourth-quarter burst.
Nurben Muktimar was San Sebastian’s only double-digit scorer, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals./PN
