JRU Barges Into The Final Four #NCAA90
By Jamil Buergo
October 6, 2014
Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers survived a late rally of San Sebastian as it overturned the Stags, 82-77, to book a Final Four seat at the Season 90 NCAA basketball tournament on Monday at The Arena in San Juan.
The Kalentong-based dribblers led by as much as 25 points in the third quarter as they punished San Sebastian with their relentless defense while knocking down their own shots. Things went from bad to worse for the Stags as coach Topex Robinson was ejected from the game after getting his second techincal for continous complaining. It was however what the Stags needed to fire up their lethargic game as they slowly inched closer until the final seconds of the game.
Speaking to the reporters after the game, Coach Vergel Meneses was thankful for the victory and credited his players for making it back to the Final Four after 3 years. “It’s nice to be back in the Final Four, the players wanted it,” says Meneses. He also gave credit to graduating player Philip Paniamogan. “He’s one of the leaders of this team and he showed it especially in the crucial part of the game,” he said of Paniamogan.
Philip Paniamogan led all scorers with 24 points for JRU including four three-pointers. Although known for his offense, he also shown bright on defense as he had 6 steals and a block in 23 minutes.”Defense is all about effort” Paniamogan said referring to what Coach Meneses always tell him. Anthony Benavidez and Michael MAbulac backed him up by scoring 13 points a piece.
Jamil Ortouste carried the scoring load for San Sebastian with 22 points while former JRU player Israel Camasura scored 13 points against his former team.
The scores:
JRU 82 – Paniamogan 24, Benavides 13, Mabulac 13, Teodoro 10, Asuncion 10, Abdul Wahab 6, Sanchez 3, Grospe 3, Astilla 0, Lasquety 0, Balagtas 0.
SSC 77 – Ortuoste 22, Camasura 13, Perez 13, Guinto 9, Dela Cruz 7, Balucanag 7, Yong 4, Aquino 2, Calisaan 0, Fabian 0, Santos 0.
Quarterscores: 22-11; 37-32; 69-55; 82-77
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