JRU fends off Letran to book first Filoil Preseason Cup finals in 20 years

Jose Rizal University weathered a late comeback rally from Colegio de San Juan de Letran to pull off an 82-73 win in the knockout semifinals of the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Sunday.

The win allowed the vastly-improved Heavy Bombers to reach the finals again after 20 years.

JRU last played for the title in 2006 but came up short against eventual champion De La Salle University.

Transferees Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat showed once more why this JRU team is a legitimate contender with the 6-foot-4 forward pouring in 22 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and one assist while the lefty guard scattered 19 markers, eight boards, three dimes, and two steals to carry the school back to the finals after two decades.

Allan Laurenaria pumped in a double-double effort of 11 points and 10 rebounds while Sean Salvador chipped in 11 markers.

Already enjoying a 47-36 lead at halftime, the Heavy Bombers further created a gap after torching the Knights in the third period with Mangubat and Stephen Garupil each firing two triples for a 60-39 lead.

Hubilla then soared for a layup over Kevin Santos to send JRU to a 72-59 cushion in the fourth period before another Mangubat triple saw the Heavy Bombers seize a 77-63 edge in the final 3:50.

However, the Knights, who reached the finals of the previous NCAA season but fell to rival San Beda University, staged a fightback led by sophomore star Titing Manalili.

The homegrown Letran ace sparked a personal 10-0 run, sinking a pair of free throws, completing a layup, and knocking down back-to-back triples to cut the deficit to six, 79-73, with 45 ticks left.

Laurenaria proved steady on the charity line after burying the last three freebies to seal the historic victory for JRU.

The loss spoiled Manalili's 28-point outburst, which he laced with nine assists, six rebounds, and a steal. George Diamante and Jimboy Estrada each churned out 12 markers.

—JKC, GMA News