Heavy Bombers give Red Warriors a dose of their own medicine as JRU advances to semis of Filoil Cup

JOSE Rizal University disposed University of the East, 76-67, to book a semifinals seat in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup Wednesday at The San Juan Arena.

Paolo Pontejos topscored with 23 points, while Chris Dela Paz had 20 points and nine rebounds for the Heavy Bombers.

Winning coach Vergel Meneses said he is aware the Warriors were going to press, but knew how to break it down having been under before UE coach Derrick Pumaren.

“UE presses so well,” Meneses said. “I just told the players to keep passing, short passes.”

“During our pre-game talk, I told the players, 'Why are we here? It's not because of our talent but because of our team defense,” said Meneses.

JRU forced UE to commit 26 turnovers and converted it to 24 fastbreak points.

Abdel Poutouochi and Abdulwahab Abdul Razak typified the Heavy Bombers’ defense by coming away with three blocks each.

RR De Leon and Edson Batiller combined for 23 points to lead the Warriors.