Consistency, eagerness keys as JRU chases NCAA final four berth

The Heavy Bombers remains in the running for a final four spot. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Jose Rizal University Vergel Meneses is not putting the Heavy Bombers’ fate in the hands of their opponents but rather on his players’ performance in the coming games.

In a wild chase for the final four, the Heavy Bombers are left with relatively easy assignments heading into the homestretch of the elimination round but Meneses is more concerned with his players’ eagerness.

“Di naman ako natatakot sa lahat ng teams. Natatakot ako sa players ko if they will play, if will show up in our last three games,” he said.

(I’m not scared on our opponents. I’m scared if my players will play, if they will show up in our last three games.)

At 9-6, JRU still on the outside looking in and are hoping to at least figure its way among the top four teams at the end of the eliminations.

Fortunately, Paolo Pontejos has been a reliable go-to-guy for JRU as of late. He had 21 points, on a 4-of-7 shooting from threes, alongside five assists and three rebounds in the Heavy Bombers’ 86-80 victory over Letran on Friday.

“Andun na yung game nya (His game is already there.),” said Meneses, as he recounted Pontejos’ early struggles this season. “I hope he continues to be consistent.”

Meneses is also overjoyed with his players’ eagerness to follow his system.

“The effort was there, the defense is there, and they played accordingly to the gameplan. Sana magpatuloy (I hope this continues.),” he said.