JRU stuns Arellano for 3rd straight win

Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers erased a 14-point deficit to outlast Arellano, 64-62, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena, Tuesday.

The Heavy Bombers improved to a 4-1 record in Group A while the Chiefs found themselves absorbing their second straight loss for a 4-2 card.

Laurence Mangubat hit the big shot down the stretch as he finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two assists while Chris Hubilla backed him with 14 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block.

“Grabe adjustments [na ginawa] ko kasi sobrang higpit ng depensa na binibigay sa’kin,” he said.

“Naniwala lang kami sa system ni coach Nani (Epondulan). Thankful din ako kasi ‘di kami mananalo kung wala silang teammates ko.”

After trailing by 14, JRU crept close to Arellano in the fourth quarter, 57-51, with six minutes left.

The Heavy Bombers were able to slash that deficit down to four, 62-58, before Mangubat’s right-corner triple to bring JRU closer, 62-61, with 19 seconds to go.

JRU would go on to show its nerves of steel, going 3-for-4 from the free-throw line down the stretch to gain the 64-62 lead with 4.8 seconds to go.

Basty Valencia launched a triple as time expired for the win but to no avail. Renzo Abiera was able to tip the ball into the hoop but the clock had already reached zero, signaling the Chiefs’ second loss of the season.

T-Mc Ongotan’s near double-double of 23 markers and nine rebounds went down the drain for Arellano.