NCAA: JRU edges winless St. Benilde

MANILA, Philippines — Jose Rizal University hung tough in overtime, 73-71, to push St. Benilde to another frustrating setback Thursday in the NCAA season 89 men’s basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

The Heavy Bombers squandered a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter and a six-point edge in overtime but still came out victorious for the second time thus far.

Guard Paolo Pontejos provided the spark for JRU all game, scoring 17 points and pulling down six boards. Phil Paniamogan also had 17.

After jumping the gun in OT and the Bombers pushed their lead to 69-63 with 3:10 on the clock, the pesky Blazers went on an 8-2 run to knot the game anew at 71.

Splits from the stripe from Pontejos and De Vera in the ensuing possessions, which gave JRU the lead, proved to be enough for the Bombers.

It was another heartbreaker for the Blazers as they remain unable to nab their first victory after so coming close anew. They drop to 0-3.

Mark Romero led St. Benilde with 17, Fons Saavedra 14, Luis Sinco with 10, Robert Bartolo with 10.