JRU makes it four in a row at EAC’s expense

Jose Rizal University continued its hot streak in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament after defeating Emilio Aguinaldo College, 84-74, at San Juan Arena, Monday evening.

The Heavy Bombers tallied their fourth straight win to improve to a 6-1 record but coach Nani Epondulan had to fire up his boys during the intermission after the Generals’ stellar first half.

“Nahirapan kami no’ng first half. We had open shots pero di namin nacoconvert,” said Epondulan.

“Luckily no’ng second half, nagopen yung floor for (Chris) Hubilla and (Lawrence) Mangubat. Na-run na namin yung offense namin ng maayos.” he added.

EAC led the Bombers at the half, 41-35. JRU, however, found its stride in the third quarter, scoring 23 points as a team while limiting the Generals to only 10 in the penultimate period.

The Bombers continued to blow the game wide open in the fourth quarter as they entered the frame with a 58-51 advantage.

Hubilla had his best game of the season so far for JRU with a double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds.

Mangubat scored 15 while Sean Salvador had 11 in the win.

Jude Bagay and Joseph Nunag had 17 markers a piece for EAC, which slid to a 2-5 record. Wilmar Oftana, meanwhile, registered 14 points and 10 boards in the defeat.