JOSE Rizal University staged a searing third-quarter run as the Bombers dealt Perpetual Help its first loss, 67-58, to wrest the solo lead in Group A of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Paolo Pontejos fueled a key 9-0 spurt after the break and the Bombers went on to outscore the Altas, 26-14, to build a double-digit advantage, 56-45, after trailing at 30-31.
The Bombers grabbed the top spot at 6-1 over the Altas, the erstwhile only unbeaten squad in the 18-team field who fell to 5-1.
Far Eastern University routed Adamson, 80-68, in the other Group A match for a 4-3 slate even as San Beda tripped Southwestern University, 71-66, to improve to 5-1 in Group B.
Pontejos led the Bombers with 14 points, nine coming off triples, while Cameroonian center Abdel Poutouochi added 12 points and nine rebounds.
Baser Amer paced the Red Lions with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Cebu-based SWU Cobras fell to 1-4 despite Mac Tallo’s 25 points and 11 assists.
The scores:
First Game
JRU 67–Pontejos 14, Poutouochi 12, Teodoro 11, Sanchez 8, Dela Paz 7, Abdul-Wahab 7, Balagtas 6, Aurin 2, Gorospe 0, Dela Virgen 0, David 0.
PERPETUAL 58—Akhuetie 26, Oliveria 6, Dizon 6, Dagangon 5, Thomposn 4, Eze 4, Bantayan 4, Coronel 2, Sadiwa 2, Elorpe 0, Ylagan 0, Gallardo 0.
Quarters: 12-15, 30-31, 56-45, 67-58
Second Game
FEU 80—Arong 25, Tolomia 13, Pogoy 10, Belo 7, Escoto Ri. 6, Iñigo 4, Jose 4, Trinidad 4, Holmqvist 3, Orizu 2, Tamsi 2, Ugsang 0, Bienes 0, Liwag 0, Dennison 0, Comboy 0, Denila 0, Roxas 0.
ADAMSON 68–Sarr 21, Garcia 11, Nalos 8, Aquino 8, Gumtang 6, Polican 3, Baytan 3, Ng 2, Bernardo 2, Villanueva 2, Pedrosa 2, Barrera 0
Quarters: 14-19, 27-38, 59-56, 80-68