Abdoul Poutouochi (9). Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Jose Rizal University used a strong second half to drop the hammer on San Sebastian, 91-69, and gain at least a playoff for a Final Four berth in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball Tournament.
The Heavy Bombers, tied Arellano University at third place with a 12-6 record, await the fate of fellow contenders Letran, Mapua, and Perpetual Help to determine their opponent in the knockout playoff match.
JRU held the Stags to just 38 percent from the field while it shot a respectable 46 percent.
Heavy Bombers head coach Vergel Meneses said every game in their six-game winning streak is as important as an elimination game they make their run towards the Final Four.
“Every game is a knockout game,” Meneses said. “The morale of the players are at a high.”
JRU started the third quarter with a 16-7 run to establish its control with Abdel Poutouochi working the post over two Stags to giving the Heavy Bombers a 57-45 lead.
Paulo Pontejos led JRU with 23 points, 18 in the first half, while Darius Estrella had 11 points all in the first half.
Poutouochi made his mark defensively with 16 rebounds and three blocks.
Bradwyn Guinto, who is on his last playing year, led the 6-12 Stags with 14 points and 12 rebounds while Michael Calisaan Jon Ortuoste added 13 and 10 points, respectively.
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