Down to the Wire: Bombers Survive Cardinals, 65-64

The José Rizal University Heavy Bombers proved too much to handle, edging the Mapúa Cardinals, 65-64, in a hard-fought fourth-quarter battle at the Playtime FilOil Centre on Monday, September 14.

Lawrence Mangubat spearheaded JRU’s attack with a game-high 22 points, built on four three-pointers, alongside seven rebounds and five steals.

Allan Laurenaria anchored the interior with an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Sean Salvador provided the finishing touches with nine points, including the ice-cold corner three-pointer that sealed the comeback win.

JRU faced early trouble after star forward Chris Hubilla picked up two quick fouls in the first half, limiting him to just 18 minutes. With JRU's main fuse unlit, Coach Nani Epondulan leaned on Laurenaria and Jhillian Palis to keep the Heavy Bombers within striking distance while trailing Mapua by double digits.

The Heavy Bombers finally lit their fuse in the second half, as Mangubat exploded from beyond the arc in the third quarter to ignite JRU's rally and set up an intense fourth-quarter shootout.

Holding a tight 64-62 lead in the dying seconds, Mapua had a chance to put the game away, but Marcus Nitura missed two crucial free throws off an intentional foul. The door opened for JRU, allowing Salvador to fire the dagger corner three-pointer that completed the shock victory.

The Scores:

JRU 65 – Mangubat 22, Laurenaria 11, Salvador 9, Palis 5, Eligado 5, Garcia 5, Hubilla 3, Garupil 2, Masiglat 2, Herrera 1, Agemenyi 0, Lozano 0

MU 64 – Nitura Mc. 17, Cuenco 13, Diaz 9, Concepcion 6, Lazarte 6, Nitura L. 6, Igliane 5, Razon 2, Reyes 0, Ryan 0, Liwanag 0

Photo Credits: NCAA Philippines Media