Jose Rizal University turned back a tough University of San Jose Recoletos squad, 75-58, Wednesday to go 3-0 in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Heavy Bombers trailed 16-20 after the first period and 33-34 early in the third period before Jordan Dela Paz sank six of his game-high 21 points to pace JRU.
The Jaguars absorbed a second straight loss following an 89-66 beating at the hands of the Letran Knights. Forwards Miguel Gastador and Kevin Villafranca scored 17 and 11 points, respectively, for the Cebuano side.
“We played better today,” said Jaguars coach Jun Agripino. “We showed our pride. Hopefully, we will play even better and get our first win next time.”
In other Filoil matches, Perpetual Help held Letran to a measly six points while scoring 16 of their own in a torrid third period that carried them to a 59-47 win.
Without Scottie Thompson who is playing with the Gilas Pilipinas cadets in Seaba, the Altas found new strength in Nigerian center Bright Akhuetie who led the team with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Gerald Dizon and Crispin Elopre added 11 points apiece.
Mark Cruz was the lone bright spot for Letran with 15 points.
The scores:
JRU 75—Dela Paz 21, Pontejos 13, Teodoro 8, Grospe 6, Lasquety 6, Balagtas 6, Dela Virgen 5, Estrella 4, Poutouochi 2, Sanchez 2, Aurin 2, Abdulwahab 0, Astilla 0, Mariano 0, Mate 0.
USJ-R 58—Gatador 17, Villafranca 11, Villarias 9, Labares 7, Catipay 5, Navarra 3Lajato 3, Galvez 2, Regalado 1, Nzuzi 0, Bayhonan 0, Suano 0.