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JRU Bombers drub Mapua Cardinals, stay in contention for Final Four


Jose Rizal University knocked Mapua out of the Final Four race after the Heavy Bombers defeated the Cardinals, 78-64, Monday stepping closer to its own bid for a postseason berth in the 87th NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The Heavy Bombers showed the form that got them back in contention for a Final Four place during the season tallying their fifth consecutive victory and ending the Cardinals’ season in a bitter fashion. The Heavy Bombers only needed a loss by Lyceum (6-10) by San Sebastian College, a team coming off its first loss of the season after 15 straight victories, to assure a Final Four berth. “We weren’t considered a Final Four team after we struggled in the first round but the boys wanted to prove that they belong in the NCAA," said JRU coach Vergel Meneses. It was a painful loss for the Cardinals, a heavy favorite to go deep into the season, to finish the season with a 7-11 win-loss record. They recovered from an 0-4 start but back-to-back losses to end the season turned big expectations into disappointment. Mapua’s top center Yousef Taha missed the game leaving a big hole in their frontline. Mapua officials said Taha’s suspension was due to a disciplinary action by the coaching staff but didn’t elaborate further. Alex Almario (17), Raycon Kabigting (13), Byron Villarias (12) and Nate Matute (12) led a balanc offense while Ralph Monserat (9) provided solid minutes off the bench en route to the win and at least a playoff for the last semifinals slot. JRU roared to a 16-6 finish in the third quarter for a 53-39 lead. The Heavy Bombers’ lead reached 20 points after a 62-42 lead in the fourth period. “I want every player to have touches and an opportunity to score and I’m happy how well the players displayed that in the game," Meneses said. Allan Mangahas ended his NCAA career with 22 points but was the lone double digit scorer for the Cardinals. - Reuben Terrado/OMG, GMA News The scores: JRU 78—Almario 17, Kabigting 13, Villarias 12, Matute 12, Monserat 9, Apinan 6, Lopez 5, Montemayor 4, Paniamogan 0, Mendoza 0. Mapua 64—Mangahas 22, Nimes 9, Sarangay 8, Ighalo 6, Banal 6, Parala 5, Stevens 4, Ranises 3, Chien 1, Cantos 0, Pascual 0. Quarters: 17-11, 31-25, 53-39, 78-64. Team standings W-L San Sebastian 15-1 San Beda 14-2 Letran 14-3 JRU 8-9 Lyceum 6-10 Mapua 7-11 Arellano 6-11 CSB 5-11 EAC 4-12 Perpetual Help 4-13

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