Jose Rizal University bounced back at the expense of San Beda University, 67-66, Friday in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Heavy Bombers led 55-46 at the end of the third period before the Red Lions mounted a comeback attempt in the final frame.
San Beda opened the fourth quarter with a 10–1 run to tie the game at 56. Vince Sarmiento then stopped the bleeding for JRU with a basket, but Bismarck Lina responded with a three-point play, followed by a jumper to give the Red Lions a 61-58 lead.
JRU answered with a 7-0 run to reclaim the lead, 65–61, with less than three minutes remaining, before Nygel Gonzales brought San Beda within two.
Bryan Sajonia nearly gave San Beda the lead with 1:10 left, but his shot was ruled a long two instead of a triple, tying the game at 65.
Janti Miller then split his free throws after being fouled by Allan Laurenaria, but a lane violation on the second attempt meant San Beda only gained a slim one-point advantage.
Laurenaria then drilled the eventual game-winner with four seconds left, as Sajonia missed his final attempt.
Sean Salvador led JRU with 15 points, hitting four triples, while Justin Lozano added 13. Laurenaria finished with six points, including the clutch basket.
With the win, the Heavy Bombers improved to 2–1, while San Beda dropped to the same record.
Scores:
JRU 67 – Salvador 15, Lozano 13, Panapanaan 9, Argente 8, Garupil 7, Laurenaria 6, Herrera 5, Sarmiento 3, Castillo 1, Benitez 0, Peñaverde 0, Duque 0.
San Beda 66 – Sajonia 16, Miller 13, Lina 13, Etulle 8, Gonzales 6, Reyes 4, Celzo 2, Culdora 2, Puno 2, Estacio 0, Bonzalida 0, Calimag 0, Jalbuena 0, Vailoces 0, Songcuya 0.
Quarters: 19-16, 37-33, 55-46, 67-66
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
