Dela Paz lifts JRU with game-winner, stuns NU in Filoil pre-season cup

Cris Dela Paz stepped on the clutch pedal to lift Jose Rizal University over National University, 70-68, in overtime in their group stage matchup in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Preseason Premier Cup Wednesday evening at the Arena in San Juan.

With the score tied at 68-68 I the final minute of overtime, Dela Paz posted up and faded away for the game-winner with 2.4 seconds remaining.

Heavy Bombers head coach Vergel Meneses said being in second place in group A after such epic finish felt like being in a dream.

“Are we dreaming?” Meneses joked as they notched a 5-1 record. “It’s through our hard work and the players believing in the system.”

Gelo Alolino had the chance to win the game for the Bulldogs but his three-pointer clanked out of the cylinder.

NU had a seven-point lead, 60-53 in the fourth but Abdel Poutouochi sparked a late 10-0 rally to give JRU a 63-60 lead with 15.9 remaining.

Rodolfo Alejandro tied the game at 63 with a well-contested three from the left wing.

Meneses said they just had to be confident and face the defending UAAP champions with aggressiveness.

“Be aggressive because they’re the UAAP champions, don’t be scared of them.”

Tey Teodoro led JRU with 20 points while Dave Sanchez had 14 points and 11 boards.

Rden Celda led the 4-2 NU with 19 points.