JRU spoil Thompson OT heroics

Juneric Baloria of UPHSD goes for a twisting shot off Marco Balagtas of JRU. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines—No hero is strong enough for them as the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers played antagonists against Earl Thompson and the University of Perpetual Help Altas in overtime, 80-76, during their second round matchup of the NCAA Seniors basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan Friday evening.

Thompson scored all 13 of the Altas’ OT points but five Heavy Bombers were ready for his explosion.

Having his way against the defense of JRU, Thompson drove to the basket to notch the scores at 72-72 with 1:45 remaining.

Power forward Michael Mabulac powered his way inside to score on a three-point play with 1:34 left in OT to put JRU up 75-72.

Thompson, though went at it again scoring against a triple team in the paint to cut the JRU lead to one, 75-74, with 1:18 remaining.

Jaycee Asuncion then had his turn for JRU scoring on a layup with 1:04 remaining, 77-74, Thompson, though, then went at it again on a layup of his own with 45.6 on the clock to put the boards at 77-76.

UPH had the chance to extend the game with 28.4 seconds remaining but Gabriel Dagangon was called with a backcourt violation on the 4.4 mark.

Asuncion then iced the game from the charity stripe, hitting both shots, to give the victory to JRU and a 9-4 record for solo third.

Heavy Bombers head coach Vergel Meneses said the thrilling win was all thanks to the effort of the whole team.

“It was all a team effort, they (Altas) got the lead in the fourth, then we went back and send the game to OT,” Meneses said. “The composure is there.”

JRU mounted a 7-0 run midway through the fourth to tie the game at 58-all with Asuncion hitting a three from the right wing with more than four minutes remaining.

Justine Alano would put the Altas up three, 63-60, with 2:08 remaining courtesy of a three-point play.

Philip Paniamogan sent the game to extra period hitting a three from the top of the key off an Asuncion assist with 20.6 remaining.

Meneses added that they still need to work hard as there is still much left.

“We have a long way to go,” Meneses said. “We need to work hard.”

Paniamogan led JRU with 22 points while Mabulac had 21 points and eight boards.

Asuncion pitched in 16 for the Heavy Bombers.

Thompson, the Altas’ OT would-be hero, had 26 points, 13 boards and five assists for UPH with Juneric Baloria adding 21 for the fourth seed with an 8-5 record.