NCAA: JRU faces Arellano in QF as Heavy Bombers seek first Final Four in 9 years

Jose Rizal University will look to end its long Final Four drought when it faces Arellano University in the NCAA Season 102 quarterfinals on Monday at the Filoil Centre.

The Heavy Bombers hold a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the matchup, but they will be aiming to make it count by eliminating the Chiefs outright in their 5 p.m. clash and make their first semifinals in almost a decade.

JRU has endured a lengthy Final Four drought, having last made the semifinals in Season 93 in 2017.

Since then, JRU has struggled to make a deep run in the succeeding seasons.

This year, however, is shaping up to be a different story for the Heavy Bombers.

Tagged as a preseason favorite, JRU lived up to expectations by winning six of its first seven games before closing out the elimination round on a three-game winning streak to secure a twice-to-beat advantage.

JRU’s resurgence has been fueled by a collective effort led by Lawrence Mangubat, Sean Salvador, Allan Laurenaria, Jamhir Eligado, Jhillia Palis, Ivan Panapanaan, and the injured Chris Hubilla.

JRU head coach Nani Epondulan believes it is time for the school to put an end to the era of being overlooked and forgotten.

"I mean, sinabi ko rin sa kanila kung gaano kaimportante 'yung game na ito. Kasi nga, I told them na yung school talaga namin is parang matagal nang nakalimutan," Epondulan said.

"Nakalimutan na."

However, Arellano shouldn't be taken lightly either.

The Chiefs have shown their potential this season behind T-Mc Ongotan and other cast including Basti Valencia, Renzo Abiera, King Vinoya, and Ernest Geronimo, beating powerhouse teams in Letran and San Beda.

Arellano, meanwhile, dropped four of its last five games, costing the Chiefs a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

—JKC, GMA News