1 August 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – Jose Rizal University defeated Emilio Aguinaldo College, 64-58, for a strong comeback win in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament, Thursday afternoon at JRU Gym in Mandaluyong.
“Itong game na ‘to, it’s all about heart,” JRU head coach Louie Gonzales after the game. “Hindi sila papayag na matalo lang, especially dito sa home court namin.”
Heavy Bombers were off to a strong start, and limited the Generals to only four points in the first quarter, 12-4, and kept that lead at the half for a 32-25 advantage. However, EAC exploded a renewed energy coming from the dugout just in time for the second half.
Jethro Mendoza shot a triple for the Generals, which later on tied the game at 35-all in the third quarter. They kept their momentum in place and took the lead, 45-38.
But JRU managed to catch up in the final frame after EAC’s turnovers led to six consecutive points for the Heavy Bombers. The visitors never had the chance to retaliate as Thomas Vasquez dropped a huge triple to cap off a 16-2 run for a 54-47 lead.
Hommer Macatangay’s back-to-back baskets and Chester Jungco’s layup capped off the win for JRU.
“I kept telling them na if we play selfish, ganoon talaga,” Gonzales said. “But if we play unselfish, we play within the system, ganito mangyayari. Kahit sino kalaban, magko-compete kami.”
Despite playing without one of their veteran players Agem Miranda, who was suspended for one game after his ejection in their game against Lyceum University of the Philippines University, it was an impressive win for JRU as they improve to a 3-4 slate.
John Amores had 16 points and six rebounds, while Jungco almost filled the stat sheet with 12 markers, eight boards, two blocks, and two assists. JL Delos Santos added a double-double record of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Marwin Taywan, on the other hand, led the Generals with 14 points, five steals, and three steals. JP Maguliano took down 17 rebounds, along with nine points in the losing effort as they dropped to a 2-4 win-loss record.
The Scores:
JRU 64 — Amores 16, Jungco 12, Delos Santos 10, Dela Rosa 8, Vasquez 6, Steinl 4, Macatangay 4, Dionisio 2, Aguilar 2, Arenal 0, Abaoag 0.
EAC 58 — Taywan 14, Mendoza 11, Cadua 11, Maguliano 9, Gonzales 5, Carlos 4, Gurtiza 2, De Guzman 2, Estacio 0, Luciano 0, Boffa 0, Dayrit 0, Corilla 0, Martin 0, Tampoc 0.
Quarter scores: 12-4, 32-25, 38-45, 64-58.
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