Consider this an early warning sign from the Heavy Bombers. True to new head coach Nani Epondulan's pre-season billing of his young core, their calling card is non-stop hustle and aggression. 

With their 73-69 season-opener win against a stacked Letran Knights, the Heavy Bombers have just sent shockwaves that will be heard all over the NCAA.

Right out of a cellar finish last season, the new and retooled JRU wasted no time in flexing their Season 101 artillery under the new system of a rookie head coach in Epondulan. 

Hustle guy Justin Lozano led all scorers with 17 markers, three boards and three assists to win the best player honors. 

Rookie guard Sean Salvador, one of JRU’s promising recruits from the junior ranks, was Epondulan’s steady playmaker right from the get go, adding 10 points to go along with four assists and a steal. 

Lengthy forward Ivan Panapanaan also proved his might in the paint, collaring 14 boards and blocking three shots laced with eight points.. 

The upset win comes on the heels of the anticipated seniors debut of Jonathan Manalili, Letran’s talented 6-foot-1 point guard who needed to sit out in Season 100 due to surgery. 

Coach Allen Ricardo’s prized ball handler played 24 minutes in his Knights debut, tallying 11 points, six rebounds and four assists but turned the ball over four times.

Jimboy Estrada led all scorers for the Intramuros-based squad with a 14-5-4 stat line in the losing effort, while designated shooter Chad Gammad added 11 points laced with three triples. 

Pro-bound wing June Roque and defensive ace Kevin Santos chipped in 10 points apiece, with the latter also making his paint presence felt with 11 rebounds.