Panapanaan lifts Heavy Bombers

Ivan Panapanaan rescued Jose Rizal University (JRU) with the game-winning basket at the basket to shock Arellano University, 79-77, in Season 101 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Heavy Bomber was left all alone for the dagger bankshot layup after a missed conversion by the Chiefs with the game tied at 77.

Panapanaan scored just four points the whole game but drilled the biggest moneymaker as JRU improved to a 5-4 win-loss record in Group B.

The Heavy Bombers’ victory not only dealt Arellano a shocking loss but also knocked the Chiefs out of the top-two race in Group A, giving idle University of Perpetual Help System Dalta a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal.

“The coaching staff were very happy with what the boys have been showing. They have embraced their respective roles,” JRU head coach Nani Epondulan said.

“With this type of game, the team’s maturity gets fast-tracked. I am just thankful that they believed in what we wanted until the end.”

Shawn Argente led the Bombers with 21 points, four rebounds and two steals while Sean Salvador had 19 points, five boards and three assists.

Down, 71-70, Argente sank a triple for the Heavy Bombers, only for Joseph Hernal to sink a jumper to tie the game at 73 for Arellano.

Both teams exchanged points from the free throw line to drag the game to a stalemate at 77 with 19 seconds to go.

Chiefs’ King Vinoya missed a floater with four seconds left on the clock. Allan Laurenaria secured the rebound and passed to Salvador, who saw an unguarded Panapanaan for the home run.

Hernal scored 17 points and had nine rebounds for Arellano, which slipped to a 3-6 slate in Group A.