JOSE RIZAL University came out on top in a battle of winless teams, beating fellow league newcomer Informatics, 86-74, on Thursday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Dexter Maiquez and Jeckster Apinan each had 17 points for the Heavy Bombers, who improved to a 1-3 win-loss slate while handing the Icons their fourth loss.
The Heavy Bombers, who lost to Big Chill and NLEX by a total of only five points after crumbling in the dying moments, again looked set to fall into another pressure situation when they trailed by seven points at halftime.
But coach Vergel Meneses’ squad tied the game by the end of the third period, 57-57 and opened the fourth with a short 7-2 run to seize control.
“Masama ang laro ng mga bata, walang intensity, ayaw humustle. Parang they thought na kayang-kaya nila ang Informatics. Pero mabuti nalang at nag-pick-up ang intensity nung mga bata,” said Meneses.
Marvin Hayes led the hapless Informatics side with 15 points, while Kojak Melegrito had 12.
The Icons share the bottom of the standings with Boracay Rum.
The scores:
JRU (86) – Maiquez 17, Apinan 17, Almario 11, Pinto 8, Acidre 8, Villarias 6, Mirza 6, Ighalo 6, Lopez 5, Miranda 2, Mabulac 0.
Informatics (74) – Hayes 15, Melegrito 12, Del Rosario 11, Rogado 10, Cruz 8, Mangahas 6, Bautista 4, Benitez 4, Carlos 2, Marquez 2, Ibay 0, Sanghera 0.
Quarterscores: 19-21; 32-39; 57-57; 86-74.
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