By MARK REY MONTEJO
Jose Rizal University held San Sebastian College-Recoletos to just seven points in the second quarter and romped to a 59-46 win in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at San Juan Arena.
The Bombers started slow and trailed the Stags 8-16 in the first 10 minutes of play before tightening their defensive screws in the next frame to gain momentum, then stepping on the gas further in the third to take full control of the game.
There was no denying the Bombers from there on to notch their third win in five games – thanks to Sean Salvador’s 22 points.
Also delivering for the Nani Epondulan-mentored JRU crew was Justin Lozano who chipped in 11.
“Nirereiterate ko lang sa players namin na maliliit na kami so hindi puwede na ma-outhustle kami,” said Epondulan. “Kung merong mas gutom at mas aggressive dapat kami ‘yon.”
The Golden Stags, who dropped to a 1-4 record, were suffocated on defense without anyone reaching double-digits in the scoring column.
Jhuniel Dela Rama was the lone bright spot for SSC-R with nine points and 15 rebounds.
The scores:
JRU 59 – Salvador 22, Lozano 11, Duque 8, Laurenaria 7, Panapanaan 5, Garupil 2, Sarmiento 2, Benitez 2, Peñaverde 0, Castillo 0, Herrera 0
SAN SEBASTIAN 46 – Dela Rama 9, Castor 8, Ricio 8, Cuajao 6, Gabat 4, Nepacena 4, Dimaunahan 4, Velasco 2, Cruz 1, Gomez De Liaño 0, Cabilla 0
Quarters: 8-16, 25-23, 44-32, 59-46
