JOSE Rizal University unleashed a second-half barrage to pull away from San Sebastian in a 102-78 win during their crossover matchup in the NCAA Season 102 on Friday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Lawrence Mangubat led the scoring barrage with 20 points, eight assists, three rebounds, and three steals while Chris Hubilla followed with 14 markers, 11 rebounds, and three assists.
“Well, we started flat. I mean, yung effort at saka yung energy na hinahanap namin sa mga players namin is hindi nila naibigay,” said head coach Nani Epondulan.
“So come halftime, we talked about it sa dugout na sabi ko sa kanila na hindi nga ako kuntento sa binibigay nilang effort. Kailangan nilang dumiin pa. And credit naman to the boys, to the players na nag-ano naman, na nag-ano naman sa sinabi ko,” he added.
The Golden Stags kept the Heavy Bombers within striking distance in the first half, using their defense to prevent JRU from breaking away early.
But JRU’s artillery finally came alive as Mangubat, Hubilla, and Jalen Garcia found their rhythm to fuel the Heavy Bombers’ second-half surge.
From there, JRU blew the game wide open, stretching its lead to double digits and keeping the Stags at bay to seal its fourth straight win.
Garcia went on a perfect afternoon with 14 points in 3-of-3 shooting while Jamhir Eligado and Sean Salvador added 12 and 11 markers apiece.
Epondulan also stressed that San Sebastian remains one of the most dangerous teams to face, as the Golden Stags go all out every time they step on the court.
“Sabi ko naman sa kanila na itong klaseng na team na ito yung mahirap kalaban kasi naglaro sila ng walang pressure and desperate kasi naghahanap ko sila ng unang panalo.”
On the other hand, Niel Castor paced the Golden Stags with 17 points, two rebounds, and one assist, while Ralph Gabat and Dash Cuya chipped in 12 and 10 markers respectively.
JRU improved to 5-1 record while San Sebastian is still winless through seven outings.
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