JRU averts disaster vs Lyceum, gains Group A solo lead

Jose Rizal University secured the top spot in the Group A of NCAA Season 102 men's basketball tournament after holding off Lyceum, 81-78, Tuesday at San Juan Arena.

The Heavy Bombers recovered from their loss to San Beda to improve to a group-best 8-3 record.

JRU led by four late in the game, 79-75, with 1:23 left in the fourth quarter before Matthew Rubico converted an and-one play to bring the Pirates closer, 79-78, with 16 seconds left.

Lawrence Mangubat, who returned from a shoulder injury, flaunted ice in his veins by calmly sinking two free throws for JRU on the ensuing play to give the Heavy Bombers an 81-78 lead.

With 9.2 seconds to work with, the Pirates went to Lance Aurigue and Renz Villegas for game-tying triples but to no avail as Lyceum crashed to a 4-6 card.

Sanlea Peñaverde spearheaded the Bombers to the win with 22 points, five assists, four steals and three rebounds.

“‘Di naman sila (Lyceum) basta basta sumusuko, last season muntik pa sila mag-Final Four. Kapag pinapanood ko sila, malakas talaga at iba talaga ‘yong laro nila,” said Peñaverde.

Sean Salvador and Mangubat turned in 16 and 12 markers, respectively, while Ivan Panapanaan registered a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds in the win.

Villegas’ all-around game of 20 points, eight boards and six assists went down the drain for Lyceum. Jonathan Daileg and Rubico scored 15 and 12 to their names in the defeat.