JRU escapes late Benilde surge to stay perfect in Season 102

Jose Rizal University held on against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 73-69, to remain unbeaten in the NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, September 22, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

SJ Moore sparked off the bench for Benilde, while Sean Salvador and Lawrence Mangubat answered for JRU as the two teams battled to a 16-all deadlock after the opening quarter.

JRU began to build a lead in the second period and took a 38-33 lead into halftime.

The Heavy Bombers then stretched the gap to 52-36 midway through the third, but Benilde refused to let the game get away. The Blazers closed the quarter with a strong run to cut the deficit to eight, 58-50, heading into the final frame.

Benilde continued its push in the fourth and eventually took a 66-65 lead after Jhomel Ancheta’s basket with just over two minutes remaining.

Mangubat quickly answered with a three-pointer to put JRU back in front, 70-66. Justine Sanchez then knocked down with his own triple to bring Benilde within one, 70-69.

Mangubat had the final say, converting his free throws in the closing seconds as JRU held on for the victory.

Player of the Game Chris Hubilla finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks, while Mangubat had 20 points and nine rebounds. 

Sanchez, Ancheta, and Moore each finished with 20, 20, and 18, respectively, for Benilde. Matthew Jucom, who scored 17 points in the Blazers’ previous game against LPU, did not suit up.

JRU improves to 2-0 in Season 102, while Benilde drops to 2-1. The Heavy Bombers next face San Beda on September 26 in their rescheduled matchup, while the Blazers meet Mapua on September 25.

The Scores: 

JRU 73 – Mangubat 20, Hubilla 12, Garcia 11, Salvador 10, Eligado 7, Palis 6, Laurenaria 5, Herrera 2, Garupil 0, Penaverde 0, Masiglat 0, Agmenyi 0, Castillo 0 

Benilde 69 – Sanchez 20, Moore 18, Ancheta 18, Cajucom 6, Go 4, Morales 2, Galas 1, Torres 0, Podador 0, Daja 0, Gonzaga 0, Baliquig 0, Jarque 0, Arciaga 0 

Photo Credits: NCAA Media