Photo from Filoil Flying V Sports Facebook.
Jose Rizal University broke through University of the East, 76-67, to advance to the semifinal stage of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Preseason Premier Cup Wednesday at San Juan Arena.
Momentum never swung back-and-forth as it stayed perpetually on the side of the Heavy Bombers as they blitzed the Red Warriors’ defense to shambles.
UE could not find an answer to the duo of Paolo Pontejos and Cris Dela Paz who bombarded its defenses with relentless shooting and fastbreak opportunities.
Pontejos finished with 23 points while Dela Paz had 20 points and nine rebounds.
JRU head coach Vergel Meneses said he knew of UE’s pressing and he had the formula to break it down to pieces.
“UE presses so well,” Meneses said. “I just told the players to keep passing, short passes.”
He added his team never relied on its talent alone, but because of sheer determination and will.
“During our pre-game talk, I told the players, ‘Why are we here? It’s not because of our talent but because of our team defense.'”
JRU forced UE into 26 turnovers and converted it to 24 fastbreak points.
Abdel Poutouochi and Abdulwahab Abdul Razak had three blocks apiece for JRU.
RR De Leon and Edson Batiller combined for 23 points to lead UE. CFC