FOR the second straight game, Jose Rizal University's character was tested — and just like the last time out, the Heavy Bombers responded accordingly.
Lawrence Mangubat proved to be the stabilizer for the Heavy Bombers as they fended off the gritty College of St. Benilde Blazers, 73-69, to stay unbeaten in the NCAA Season 102 men's basketball tournament, Tuesday at the Filoil Center in San Juan.
The former NCAA champion hit a big three to quell the Blazers' rally, before draining three of his four free throws to close out Benilde who came back from 12 points down early in the fourth quarter only to fall short in the end.
"Yung dalawang game namin, parehas sobrang dikit. Kailangan lang din talaga may matutunan every game. Samin at sa mga teammates namin at sa mga rookies kailangan masanay na sa ganung situation," Mangubat said.
"Pero sinusunod lang namin mga sinasabi ng coaches. We just need to stay composed at trabaho lang kami lagi," he added.
The Heavy Bombers were comfortably ahead by 12 points early in the fourth quarter, with Mangubat and Chris Hubilla scoring back-to-back baskets to give JRU a double-digit spread.
But the Blazers staged a late fightback behind lead guard Jhomel Ancheta who scored nine in a 16-3 rally, with his jumper giving the Blazers the lead, 66-65, with 2:09 remaining in the game.
Hubilla, however, made two free throws in the next possession before Mangubat hit his biggest shot of the night — a rare wide-open three pointer off a scramble to give the Heavy Bombers a 70-66 lead with 1:08 to go in the game.
Justine Sanchez promptly responded with a three of his own to pump life into St. Benilde's comeback, and the Blazers had the golden opportunity to steal the game after forcing a turnover on Mangubat — but Ancheta's attempt on the fastbreak was thwarted by Hubilla, resulting into a turnover and forcing the Blazers to play the foul game.
Mangubat split his initial charities, but Allan Laurenaria came away with the biggest rebound of the game, allowing Mangubat to ice the game for good with two more free throws.
Mangubat finished with 20 points and nine rebounds while Hubilla added 12 points, seven boards and four blocks. Jalen Garcia and Sean Salvador chipped in 11 and 10 respectively while Jamil Eligado ruled the glass with 12 rebounds to go along his seven points for the now 2-0 JRU.
Sanchez paced the now 2-1 Blazers with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Ancheta finished with 18 points, seven assists and two steals. SJ Moore also added 18 points and seven rebounds before fouling out late.
The Blazers missed the services of rookie hotshot Matthew Jucom who sat out due to a minor hamstring injury.
The Scores
JRU 73 - Mangubat 20, Hubilla 12, Garcia 11, Salvador 10, Eligado 7, Palis 6, Laurenaria 5, Herrera 2, Garupil 0, Penaverde 0, Masiglat 0, Agemenyi 0, Castillo 0
CSB 69 - Sanchez 20, Ancheta 18, Moore 18, Cajucom 6, Go 4, Morales 2, Galas 1, Torres 0, Jarque 0, Podador 0, Daja 0, Arciaga 0, Gonzaga 0, Baliquig 0
Quarters: 16-16, 38-33, 58-50, 73-69
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