INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines -- Point guard Mark Cagoco hit 21 points, built on five triples, as Jose Rizal University picked up its second straight victory at the expense of University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, 74-57, Wednesday in the NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The Bombers broke away from a 38-all stalemate early in the third quarter by turning to veterans James Sena and Cagoco, who combined for 11 points to give their team a 55-41 spread.

With the win, JRU, which bowed to Letran in the Final Four last year, moved to fourth place with a 2-2 record.

Sena added 14 points for the Bombers, who dealt the Altas their fourth straight loss. At 1-4, Perpetual Help fell to a three-team tie at last place with San Sebastian and Philippine Christian University.

"We didn't allow Perpetual to take easy shots," said Bombers coach Ariel Vanguardia. "I think the team is starting to pick up after the bad start."