Jose Rizal University (JRU) is tipped to go all out and shoot for the title when it battles San Beda University in Game 2 of the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup best-of-three finals series on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Action starts at 5 p.m. with the Heavy Bombers going for the kill to sweep the mighty Red Lions crew.

Using their airtight defense and fluid running game, the Heavy Bombers pulled off a 70-59 victory over the Red Lions in Game 1 to inch closer to the title of this tournament that serves as a warm-up event for Season 89 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and Season 102 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Transferees Lawrence Mangubat and Chris Hubilla showcased their championship pedigree in the opener of the finals series, combining for 41 points and 18 rebounds to draw first blood.

Coach Nani Epondulan, however, understands that the hard part is only getting started.

“I told them that we should grind and work hard now, and we can celebrate later once we actually achieve our goal. The job isn’t done yet,” said Epondulan, who led the Heavy Bombers to memorable finishes during the course of his playing career in the NCAA.

But the Red Lions are no pushovers, especially with Aldous Torculas, Zed Etulle and Jomel Puno at the helm.

San Beda coach Yuri Escueta, however, will be hard-pressed to solve the puzzle that is JRU as they have yet to win in their past two meetings in this tournament, making Game 2 an intense and dramatic battle with the title on the line.