MANILA — Jose Rizal University refused to fold after blowing a 16-point lead, delivering the crucial plays in the final two minutes to escape College of Saint Benilde, 73-69, and preserve its unbeaten start in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at the San Juan Arena.
Laurence Mangubat buried a clutch three-pointer with 1:05 remaining after the Blazers briefly wrested the lead from the Heavy Bombers, providing the decisive response that propelled JRU to a 2-0 record in Group A.
The Heavy Bombers appeared headed for a comfortable victory after building a 16-point advantage in the third quarter, but the Blazers steadily chipped away at the deficit and threatened to complete a stunning comeback.
Back-to-back baskets from Justine Sanchez and Jhomel Ancheta pushed Benilde ahead, 66-65, with 2:09 remaining.
JRU, however, quickly regained its composure.
Chris Hubilla sank two free throws to restore the Heavy Bombers’ lead before Mangubat drilled the biggest shot of the game, a three-pointer that stretched JRU’s advantage to 70-66 with 1:05 left.
Sanchez answered with a triple with 45.8 seconds remaining to pull Benilde within one, 70-69, but the Blazers committed costly turnovers down the stretch that ultimately doomed their comeback bid.
“Lagi ina-advice sa amin na mag-stick together lang kami sa sistemang tinatakbo namin,” Hubilla said. “‘Wag [lang] kami bibitaw kasi no’ng mga talo namin [sa offseason], sa fourth quarter kami nawawala. Nag-stick lang kami sa depensa at di kami bumitaw hanggang dulo.”
Mangubat spearheaded the Heavy Bombers with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Hubilla provided an all-around effort of 12 points, seven rebounds and four blocks.
Sanchez paced the Blazers with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Ancheta and SJ Moore contributed 18 points apiece as Benilde slipped to a 2-1 record.
Meanwhile, Arellano University leaned on veterans Basty Valencia and T-Mc Ongotan to turn back Emilio Aguinaldo College, 91-87, in Group B action.
Ongotan powered the Chiefs with 26 points, five rebounds and three assists, while King Vinoya added 15 points. Valencia chipped in 14 points and six rebounds as Arellano also remained unbeaten at 2-0./PN
