MANILA — Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers erased a six-point halftime deficit with a dominant third-quarter performance to defeat Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 84-74, and stretch their winning streak to four games in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Monday night at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Chris Hubilla delivered his best performance of the season, posting 26 points and 12 rebounds as the Heavy Bombers strengthened their position in the standings with a 6-1 win-loss record.
Trailing 41-35 at halftime, JRU turned the game around with a decisive 23-10 third-quarter assault, transforming a six-point deficit into a 58-51 advantage entering the final period.
The Heavy Bombers sustained their momentum in the fourth quarter, frustrating the Generals’ comeback attempts to secure their fourth consecutive victory.
JRU head coach Nani Epondulan admitted his squad struggled offensively in the opening half before finding its rhythm after the halftime break.
“Nahirapan kami no’ng first half. We had open shots pero di namin nacoconvert,” said Epondulan. “Luckily no’ng second half, nagopen yung floor for (Chris) Hubilla and (Lawrence) Mangubat. Na-run na namin yung offense namin ng maayos.”
Mangubat provided offensive support with 15 points, while Sean Salvador contributed 11 markers to help the Heavy Bombers complete their second-half turnaround.
For EAC, Jude Bagay and Joseph Nunag scored 17 points apiece, while Wilmar Oftana registered a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The defeat dropped the Generals to a 2-5 record despite their impressive first-half showing.
Meanwhile, Mapua University Cardinals survived a tense overtime battle against Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, escaping with a 69-67 victory to register their fourth consecutive win.
Lance Nitura delivered the crucial basket in the extra period, sinking a three-pointer that gave Mapua a 68-64 advantage with 2:09 remaining.
The Cardinals held on in the closing minutes to improve their Group A record to 4-3.
Yam Concepcion led Mapua with a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Nitura, Cyrus Cuenco, Jamal Diaz and Lazarte contributed 11 points each.
Chad Gammad paced Letran with 18 points, while Jimboy Estrada added 13 as the Knights slipped to a 4-3 record in Group B.
The victories kept both JRU and Mapua riding four-game winning streaks as the NCAA elimination round continued to intensify./PN
