19 July 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – After three unsuccessful matches, Jose Rizal University finally grabbed their first victory over the Arellano University, 80-77, in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan on Friday.
Agem Miranda was the one who delivered for JRU. He overcame a last-minute cramp and shot a triple from the corner with 1.7 ticks left in the game, giving them a three-point advantage that made all the difference.
“I prayed really hard na ibigay ang panalo dahul yung pag-earn sa trust nila, nandun pa rin kami sa proseso. We really struggled in the first three games, pero it’s a process nga na dapat naming pagdaanan,” JRU head coach Louie Gonzalez said as JRU and Arellano fought hard on who was to take their first win in the season.
It was a tough match for JRU to begin with, facing an 8-22 deficit in the first quarter. However they managed to slowly climb their way and inched within three at the half, 34-37.
Miranda led the squad to keep in close range with Arellano, along with rookies Stefan Steinl and John Amores who made crucial baskets in the match until the buzzer.
Miranda had his career-high 26 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, rookies Steinl and Amores followed with 14 points and eight boards, and 11 markers, respectively.
“I have to give it to my players. Sila rin naman ang kumuha ng panalo,” coach Gonzalez added as the Heavy Bombers are now at a 1-3 win-loss record.
On the other hand, Rence Alcoriza finished with 21 points and Kent Salado had 16 markers, six dimes, five boards, and two steals in the losing effort.
The Scores:
JRU 80 – Miranda 26, Steinl 14, Amores 11, Dionisio 10, Delos Santos 7, Dela Rosa 3, Jungco 3, Aguilar 3, Vasquez 3, Arenal 0, Abaoag 0.
Arellano 77 – Alcoriza 21, Salado 16, Bayla 15, Arana 12, Sablan 8, Concepcion 5, Santos 0, Gayosa 0, Oliva 0, Talampas 0, Espiritu 0, De Guzman 0, Segura 0, Sacramento 0.
Quarters: 8-22, 34-37, 56-61, 80-77.
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