Philip Paniamogan drives past the Perpetual Help defense. KC Cruz
Jose Rizal drew strength from an unusual source as it edged a previously unbeaten Perpetual Help, 62-63, to nail its third win in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan on Wednesday.
Dave Sanchez was at the right place and right time after he made the game-winning basket by picking up a missed triple by teammate Philip Paniamogan that went long to seal the Bombers their third win in as many defeats.
With 2.3 seconds left and all their timeout already used, the Altas went to Juneric Baloria, who threw a prayer near halfcourt that wasn't answered as it kissed the right side of the ring as time expired.
It sent the Las Pinas-based dribblers to their first defeat against three wins and down to solo third from second.
"That was a big shot," said Jose Rizal coach Vergel Meneses of Sanchez's game-winner.
The Kalentong-based dribblers, however, nearly blew it.
Trailing for most part of the game, Paniamogan exploded with booming triples, one that knotted the count at 55-all and another that gave Jose Rizal a 60-55 cushion with two minutes to go.
But an Arboleda free throw, a Joel Jolangcob three-pointer and a lay up by Earl Scottie Thompson off a key steal from Paniamogan gave the Altas back the lead, 61-60 with 11 ticks remaining.
And then Sanchez happened.
Jiovani Jalalon led the Chiefs to victory over the Stags in NCAA action on Wednesday. KC Cruz
In the second game Arellano U relied on a career performance by Jiovani Jalalon as it outgunned San Sebastian, 96-86, to seize solo second spot behind reigning four-peat champion San Beda.
Jalalon exploded with 21 points, dished out 13 assists and had seven steals, all career highs, to propel the Chiefs to their fourth triumph in five outings, or a full game behind the Lions, unbeaten in five starts.
"He's really a complete player and I'm not surprised he came out with this game," said Arellano U coach Jerry Codinera of Jalalon.
The Stags fell into joint fourth with the Lyceum Pirates on 3-2 cards. — JST, GMA News
The scores:
First Game
Jose Rizal 62- Paniamogan 16, Benavidez 8, Mabulac 8, Sanchez 6, Abdul Wahab 6, Asuncion 6, Grospe 4, Lasquety 4, Salaveria 2, Teodoro 2
Perpetual Help 61- Baloria 22, Arboleda 11, Alano 10, Thompson 9, Jolangcob 5, Ylagan 2, Bantayan 2, Oliveria 0, Dizon 0, Gallardo 0, Sadiwa 0, Dagangon 0
Quarters: 17-all; 31-37; 47-49; 62-61
Second Game
Arellano U 96- Jalalon 21, Enriquez 17, Agovida 17, Holts 13, Hernandez 12, Caperal 7, Pinto 7, Ortega 2
San Sebastian 86- Perez 22, Ortuoste 11, dela Cruz 10, Yong 9, Calisaan 6, Camasura 3, Costelo 3, Balucanag 2, Aquino 1
Quarters: 14-18; 43-37; 68-64; 96-86
