THIS time, there's no need for a game-winner.
Defense did the trick for Jose Rizal University, blanking Mapua, 71-58, Tuesday at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Lawrence Mangubat's four-point play broke a 52-all deadlock and triggered a 19-3 onslaught for the Heavy Bombers to grab a commanding 71-55 lead.
But it was their defense which kept the Cardinals in check, limiting Mapua to just two field goals in the final canto to help JRU clinch a quarterfinal spot in the NCAA Season 102 seniors basketball tournament at 9-3, moving back atop the ultra competitive Group A.
In the process, idle San Beda and Benilde, holding identical 8-3 records, were also beneficiaries in securing a top three seat in the bracket.
Mangubat was in full control of the contest with his 19 points built on three three-pointers laced with six rebounds and two steals, as Sean Salvador, the hero from the two team's last meeting, scored 11.
Rookie Jhillian Palis also got his share with 15, Jahmir Eligado collected 10 points and eight boards, and Allan Laurenaria had seven points and eight rebounds in the win.
"I give credit sa players namin na nag-buy in sila sa gusto naming mangyari. Sabi namin ng coaches, hindi kami pwede mag-relax especially sa mga dumedepensa kay [Cy] Cuenco. Sabi namin kailangan pahirapan ang buhay ni Cuenco sa depensa," said coach Nani Epondulan as JRU kept the league's top scorer in check.
Cuenco shot only 4-of-11 from the field for his 11 points but also accounted for six of Mapua's 14 turnovers.
Yam Concepcion also notched 11 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, as Andrei Igliane and Jamal Diaz also scored 11 apiece.
It was the Cardinals' third straight defeat to fall to an even 6-6 card as they find themselves locked in the play-in against Lyceum of the Philippines U (4-7).
Curiously, the two squads close their elimination schedule on Monday which will decide who will earn the twice-to-beat advantage in the aforementioned phase.
The Scores:
JRU 71 -- Mangubat 19, Palis 15, Salvador 11, Eligado 10, Laurenaria 7, Panapanaan 4, Herrera 3, Duque 2, Peñaverde 0, Garcia 0, Castillo 0, Garupil 0, Masiglat 0.
MAPUA 58 -- Concepcion 11, Igliane 11, Cuenco 11, Diaz 11, Dones 9, L. Nitura 4, Lazarte 1, Razon 0, Reyes 0, Liwanag 0, Mendoza 0.
Quarters: 15-19, 30-29, 50-50, 71-58.
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