Heavy Bombers ambush Knights; Pirates trip Cardinals

KEVIN Racal of Letran drives past Gio Lasquety of JRU in yesterday’s NCAA game. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — Jose Rizal University leaned on the hot shooting of Philip Paniamogan in the second half as the Heavy Bombers repulsed Letran, 69-60, Monday for their second straight win in the NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Paniamogan poured all but one of his 22 points in the second half, including 14 in the last period, as the Bombers rose to 2-2.

But Paniamogan’s performance was nearly overshadowed by an ugly after-game incident involving Letran guard Mark Cruz and referee Ian Borbe, whom Knights coach Caloy Garcia said threatened to punch his player.

Cruz had to be restrained by Knights assistant coach Mike Buendia as he charged at Borbe after the final buzzer.

Garcia had earlier been ejected for continuous complaining with seconds remaining in the game.

In the second game, Joseph Gabayni threw his weight around in the paint to power Lyceum past Mapua, 80-78.

Gabayni notched 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Pirates who pinned a fourth straight loss on the Cardinals.

Paniamogan fired 11 points in the last three minutes, spearheading a fiery windup for the Bombers.

But it wasn’t Paniamogan’s late explosion that left a bitter taste for Garcia.

“We’ve filed complaints against Borbe since last year. We can’t get calls from him,” said Garcia. “It’s okay to lose a game as long as the referees call it fairly.”

First Game

JRU 69—Paniamogan 22, Grospe 10, Teodoro 10, Asuncion 10, Sanchez 4, Salaveria 4, Mabulac 4, Abdul Wahab 3, Lasquety 0.

LETRAN 60—Cruz 19, Racal 17, Ruaya 9, Nambatac 6, Singontiko 5, Quinto 2, Publico 2, Castro 0, Tambeling 0, Luib 0, Gabawan 0.

Quarters: 14-14, 31-24, 45-48, 69-60

Second Game

LYCEUM 80—Gabayni 23, Zamora 16, Lesmoras 15, Mbbida 15, Ko 6, Bulawan 4, Malabanan 1, Baltazar 0, Taladua 0, Maconocido 0.

MAPUA 78—Estrella 19, Saitanan 13, Gabo 10, Layug 9, Isit 8, Cantos 8, Canaynay 6, Tubiano 4, Magsigay 1, Galoso 0.

Quarters: 20-19, 37-32, 64-52, 80-78