JRU takes solo NCAA Group A lead after turning back Mapúa

By: Joaquin Cortez

Jose Rizal University climbed to the top of the Group of Death standings after withstanding Mapúa University, 71-58, in the NCAA Season 102 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

With the victory, the Heavy Bombers overtook defending champion San Beda University and College of Saint Benilde to claim sole possession of first place in Group A with a 9-3 record. The win also secured JRU at least a quarterfinals berth with one game remaining, while ensuring that the three teams occupied the top three spots in the standings.

Meanwhile, Mapúa dropped to 6-6 and will have to secure its quarterfinals berth through the play-in round.

The first three quarters saw both teams trade leads before JRU finally broke away in the fourth, unleashing a decisive 15-3 run.

Lawrence Mangubat sparked the surge by completing a four-point play, giving the Heavy Bombers some breathing room at 56-52.

After Yam Concepcion stole an inbound pass from Mangubat, the Cardinals forward hesitated in the paint and committed a costly turnover of his own, allowing Jahmir Eligado to finish a fast-break layup and extend JRU’s lead to 59-52.

Mapúa continued to struggle down the stretch as Ivan Panapanaan capped the run with a putback off Sean Salvador’s missed attempt, pushing the Heavy Bombers’ advantage to 63-52 with just over five minutes remaining.

JRU then put the finishing touches on its victory after another costly Mapúa turnover led to Jhillian Palis drilling a midrange jumper with 46 seconds left to give the Heavy Bombers their biggest lead of the game, 71-55.

JRU will look to secure the top spot in the Group A standings when it faces College of Saint Benilde on Friday, November 6, at 5:00 p.m. at the same venue.

Meanwhile, Mapúa will try to end the round on a positive note against Lyceum of the Philippines University on Monday, November 9, at 3:00 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

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