JOSE Rizal University posted its second win in as many games, holding off Batangas, 70-65, on Thursday in the PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena.
John Grospe scored 20 and Teytey Teodoro had 18 points as the Heavy Bombers joined AMA Online Education on top.
The Heavy Bombers played solid defense in the final stretch when Batangas pulled to within four, 64-60.
"It's a big improvement on our defense compared sa una naming laro," said JRU coach Vergel Meneses.
Jerard Bautista and Grospe nailed back-to-back baskets to put the Heavy Bombers on top for good.
Joseph Sedurifa paced Batangas with 18 points but hardly made a difference in the final moments of the game.
CJ Isit added 12 points, including a three-point play with less than a minute left.
The scores:
JRU 70 - Grospe 20, Teodoro 18, Bautista 9, Lopez 7, Dela Virgen 6, Lasquety 4, Poutouochi 4, Sawat 2, Mate 0, Sabellina 0, Pontejos 0.
Batangas 65 - Sedurifa 18, Isit 12, Fortu 9, Ablaza 9, Dela Pena 4, Sara 3, De Joya 3, Mendoza 3, Laude 2, Inciong 2, Anderson 0, Revadavia 0, Delfinado 0, Menor 0.
Quarterscores: 18-18; 34-38; 55-44; 70-65.
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