SAN BEDA survived a furious Jose Rizal University fightback, 75-71, behind four clutch free throws and a crucial offensive rebound by Zed Etulle that shut the door on the Heavy Bombers’ last-ditch comeback in NCAA Season 102 basketball on Friday at the Playtime Filoil Centre.
The defending champions Red Lions led by as many as 21 points before JRU went on a run capped by Sean Salvador three-pointer that tied the score at the 1:27 mark of the fourth quarter, setting up the tense finish.
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The Red Lions secured their second win over JRU this season, improving to 7-3 and drawing level with the Heavy Bombers atop Group A as the second round got underway.
The Heavy Bombers had chances to tie or even move ahead in the final minute, but San Beda delivered at the line. Etulle then secured a crucial offensive rebound after Aldous Torculas missed twice, preserving the Red Lions’ possession and denying JRU another shot at completing the comeback.
San Beda had seized control with a 26-10 third-quarter blitz, only for JRU to open the payoff period with a 10-0 run and steadily close the gap.
JRU entered the contest without Lawrence Mangubat, who nursed a right shoulder injury, and lost Chris Hubilla in the first quarter after he hurt his left knee while drawing contact from RC Calimag at the 1:17 mark.
Jimuel Reyes was also taken to a hospital for further evaluation after falling on his head early in the fourth quarter following contact from Allan Laurenaria.
“Sinabi ko lang sa teammates ko na we have to stay composed. ‘Di pa tapos ‘yong laro, sabi ko sa kanila. Tapos pinakita lang namin na kaya namin gumawa ng winning plays,” said Aldous Torculas, who finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and a steal.
Bismarck Lina added 14 points, Dan Marcelo chipped in 13, and Kyle Jamora contributed 12, with all three delivering efficient shooting performances.
Salvador, who nearly pulled off a heroic finish for JRU, led the Heavy Bombers with 19 points, while Jalen Garcia added 14 points in just 15 minutes.
The Scores:
SAN BEDA 75 — Torculas 15, Lina 14, Marcelo 13, Jamora 12, Etulle 7, Ugaddan 7, Puno 3, Reyes 2, Calimag 2, Bonzalida 0, Hawkins 0, Estacio 0.
JRU 71 — Salvador 19, Garcia 14, Eligado 9, Penaverde 9, Panapanaan 6, Laurenaria 6, Palis 3, Duque 2, Garupil 2, Castillo 1, Hubilla 0, Bagro 0, Masiglat 0.
Quarters: 15-21, 41-36, 67-46, 75-71.
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