Abdoul Aylagnigni (poutouchi) TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net
Jose Rizal University started its raid of NCAA season 91 with a convincing 78-61 victory over Season 90 runners-up Arellano University on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Both teams shot atrociously from the field with the Heavy Bombers hitting on 39 percent from the field and the Chiefs making 32 percent of their shots.
Heavy Bombers head coach Vergel Meneses said their defense made up for their subpar offense and changing the offensive scheme going from an outside game to more of an inside one.
“We’re not making our shots and we made up on defense,” Meneses said. “We don’t live and die with the three.”
JRU’s defense clamped down on Arellano in the second quarter holding the Chiefs to nine points as they scored 21.
After a defensive second quarter, the Heavy Bombers got their offense going as they went on a 17-8 run with Cris de la Paz hitting on a breakaway layup to give JRU a 59-36 lead.
Abdoul Poutouochi led the Heavy Bombers with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks.
Tey Tedoro added 11 points for JRU while Abdul Wahab Abdul Razak had a near double-double with nine points and 10 boards to go along two blocks.
Michael Salado had 15 points to lead Arellano.
Tey Tedoro TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net