Jose Rizal University put an end to its three-game losing streak and eked out a 69-63 decision against Emilio Aguinaldo College Friday in the NCAA Season 95 men's basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Marwin Dionisio helped the Heavy Bombers snap that slide, firing seven of his 13 points in the fourth quarter as they escaped a game challenge from the Generals.
"Thankful kami at least nanalo na ulit," sighed coach Louie Gonzalez.
Dionisio anchored JRU's late attack as it wiggled away from a close 60-56 lead midway through the payoff period before going on a 7-2 stretch to take a 67-58 with 24 seconds remaining.
CJ Cadua and Jethro Mendoza kept EAC in the game as they cut the lead down to four, 67-63, but time just wasn't on its side before Dionisio squeaked in a layup at the final buzzer.
Still, Gonzalez rued the poor finishing kick of the Heavy Bombers, which to him, has been a recurring theme in their past few games.
"We really lost bad sa last games namin with Mapua, St. Benilde, and Letran. Ang problema namin is yung papano namin ma-close out yung game at maging competitive sa endgame. This game, yung closing na naman ng laro yung wala namin," he said.
Gonzalez, though, was happy with how his young wards have performed, with Agem Miranda topscoring for JRU with 16 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Ry dela Rosa had 11 points and three boards, and two dimes.
"Alam ko na bata sila, pero it's more mental na. Lahat naman ng teams sa final canto, it's a matter of execution," the first-year mentor said after winning his first game in more than a month.
JRU's last win, incidentally, was also against EAC in a 64-58 decision last August 1.
More importantly, the win hiked the Heavy Bombers' record to a 4-7 record to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Generals, on the other hand, stumbled to their ninth straight defeat to remain at the bottom of the standings with their 1-10 card.
JP Maguliano carried EAC with 16 points and eight rebounds, as Mendoza shot 3-of-10 from distance to notch 15 points and three boards.
The Scores:
JRU 69 -- Miranda 16, Dionisio 13, Dela Rosa 11, Delos Santos 9, Amores 7, Aguilar 7, Arenal 6, Vasquez 0, Abaoag 0, Macatangay 0
EAC 63 -- Maguliano 16, Mendoza 15, Cadua 7, Gurtiza 5, Corilla 4, Taywan 4, Luciano 3, Carlos 3, Estacio 2, De Guzman 2, Gonzales 2.
Quarters: 13-16, 35-33, 52-50, 69-63.
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