JRU downs San Beda, clinches first-ever Filoil Preseason title

Jose Rizal University defeated San Beda University, 74-67, in Game 2 of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup Finals on Thursday to capture its first-ever Filoil Preseason championship.

The Heavy Bombers built a 12-point advantage, 52-40, at the end of the third quarter before the Red Lions mounted a comeback, cutting the deficit to 62-57 with 3:12 remaining in the fourth.

But JRU responded with a crucial run, as Stephen Garupil knocked down two three-pointers with an Aldous Torculas triple sandwiched in between to extend the lead to 68-60 with 2:09 left. Ivan Panapanaan then split his free throws after drawing a foul from JC Bonzalida to make it 69-60 before Zed Etulle answered for San Beda to trim the gap to six.

The Heavy Bombers held firm down the stretch, with Mangubat converting key free throws to seal the victory despite late foul shots from Sarigumba and Torculas.

Transferee Mangubat, who was named Most Valuable Player, led JRU with 27 points on six three-pointers, along with three rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Adrian Eligado added 10 points, while Garupil and Chris Hubilla chipped in nine and eight points, respectively.

Etulle paced San Beda with 14 points, while Torculas finished with 13 in the Red Lions' runner-up campaign.

JRU completed the two-game sweep after taking Game 1, 70-59.

Scores:

JRU 74 - Mangubat 27, Eligado 10, Laurenaria 9, Garupil 9, Hubilla 8, Salvador 5, Masiglat 3, Palis 2, Panapanaan 1, Garcia 0, Herrera 0,

San Beda 67 - Etulle 14, Torculas 13, Marcelo 11, Puno 8, Songcuya 7, Bonzalida 6, Hawkins 5, Sarigumba 3, Estacio 0, Calimag 0, Jamora 0, Ugaddan 0.

Quarters: 14-13, 29-28, 52-40, 74-67.

—JKC, GMA News