MANILA — Jose Rizal University wiped out a 14-point deficit behind Laurence Mangubat’s clutch shooting to stun Arellano University, 64-62, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Mangubat buried a crucial three-pointer with 19 seconds remaining as the Heavy Bombers completed their comeback and improved to 4-1 in Group A.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, suffered their second straight defeat and dropped to 4-2 in Group B.
Mangubat finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two assists, delivering when JRU needed him most despite Arellano’s tight defensive coverage.
“Grabe adjustments [na ginawa] ko kasi sobrang higpit ng depensa na binibigay sa’kin,” he said. “Naniwala lang kami sa system ni coach Nani (Epondulan). Thankful din ako kasi ‘di kami mananalo kung wala silang teammates ko.”
After falling behind by as many as 14 points, the Heavy Bombers steadily chipped away at the deficit and pulled within 57-51 with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Arellano still held a 62-58 advantage late in the game before Mangubat drilled a three-pointer from the right corner to cut the Chiefs’ lead to 62-61 with 19 seconds left.
JRU then showed composure at the foul line, converting three of four free throws down the stretch to seize a 64-62 advantage with 4.8 seconds remaining.
Arellano had one final opportunity to steal the victory, but Basty Valencia’s three-point attempt at the buzzer failed to drop.
Chris Hubilla also scored 14 points for the Heavy Bombers while adding five rebounds, one steal and one block.
T-Mc Ongotan paced Arellano with 23 points and nine rebounds, but his near double-double was not enough to prevent the Chiefs from absorbing back-to-back defeats.
Meanwhile, Mapua University extended its resurgence with an 89-84 overtime victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College, securing its third consecutive win after opening the season with three straight losses.
Cyrus Cuenco took over in overtime, scoring seven of his career-high 28 points in the extra period to help the Cardinals hold off the Generals. He also collected four rebounds and four assists.
“May tiwala si coach Chito sa’kin, andiyan din ‘yong teammates ko,” said Cuenco. “‘Yong gusto lang ni coach Chito ay makinig kami sa game plan. May mga times kasi na nagsasarili kami kaya sabi namin, sundin lang natin ‘yong game plan at makinig tayo kay coach.”/PN
