FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines-Firing out the napalms from the get-go, the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers set the gears of war to thrash the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 73-54, at the Seniors Basketball Tournament of the NCAA at the Arena in San Juan Friday afternoon.
JRU bombarded with reckless abandon claiming the lead in their first basket and never giving EAC a chance for a comeback.
Building an 18-point lead at the half, 41-23, the Heavy Bombers poised themselves to the victory and a share of the third place with the University of Perpetual Help Altas and the College of Saint Benilde Blazers with identical records of 7-4.
Heavy Bombers head coach Vergel Meneses said that it was the intensity in the mindset of players that proved to be the difference as JRU wanted to avenge themselves after their loss against Letran.
“I saw for the past two days, during their practices, after our loss against Letran, there was that intensity in them,” Meneses said. “Right now we had a good start and we held on until the final buzzer.”
JRU built another 18-point lead, 59-41, midway through the third with guard Jaycee Asuncion scoring eight straight with a corner triple to cap it off.
Heavy Bombers front court combo Abdul Abdul-Wahab and Michael Mabulac scored on consecutive baskets to start the fourth and maintain JRU’s 18-point lead, 63-45.
Meneses said that that he expects more from Mabulac, his team captain, and the stat line of 18 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks is not the highest of his player’s capabilities.
“I’m a little bit satisfied but that’s not him, he can do more,” Meneses said.
JRU took full advantage of a small EAC lineup which played without injured center Noube Happi who missed his second straight game with a back injury.
Asuncion added 14 points for JRU with Philip Paniamogan and Gio Lasquety pitching in 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Abdul-Wahab had a near double-double for JRU with nine points and 10 boards with four blocks to boot.
Jan Jamon and Jerald Serrano had 16 points apiece to lead EAC which fell to a 3-8 slate.