IKE Serafica of LPU tries to protect the ball from Gerald Castor of CSB . AUGUST DELA CRUZ
JOSE Rizal U coach Vergel Meneses longs for the day that his Heavy Bombers finally play to their potential.
For now, he’s glad he can turn to Tey Teodoro as a reliable option down the stretch.
The stocky guard from San Juan buried a 15-foot fadeaway jumper to lift the Bombers to a thrilling 60-59 victory over the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals yesterday in the NCAA Season 92 basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The game-winning basket turned out to be the 22nd lead change of the match and capped a 21-point performance from Teodoro, who also had three steals.
Francis Munsayac, atoning for an earlier turnover, hit a step back jumper to give EAC a 59-58 cushion, but the diminutive guard couldn’t stop Teodoro from firing the basket over his outstretched arms.
“It’s an ugly win, but we’ll take it,” said Meneses, who was in no mood to celebrate the dramatic victory.
“Right now, we’re playing really bad. We’re playing just 30 percent of our potential. We can’t compete at the level of Mapua and San Beda, but we know we can still get better so it’s up to the players to put in the effort and execute.“
Later, Lyceum leaned on another strong game from the duo of Ian Alban and Mike Nzeusseu to pick up a second straight victory following a 75-58 drubbing of St. Benilde.
Alban surpassed his career-best from the previous game with 21 points, while Nzeusseu fired 18 points and grabbed 22 rebounds for the Pirates, who tied the Bombers at sixth spot with a 2-3 record.
The Generals fell to 1-4, while the Blazers remained winless in six games, their worst start since going 0-11 in 2004.
“I just reminded the players that Benilde’s record is not a reflection of how good they are,” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson.
“We couldn’t take it easy because they’re not going to give us the win. We have to play our best no matter who we’re facing.”
The 5-foot-10 Alban, who grew up in Tondo, Manila, missed only two of his 10 attempts, while grabbing four rebounds and issuing three assists in another solid outing that drew raves from Robinson.
“He’s just taking advantage of the opportunity,” said Robinson of his prized guard. “I told him if he’s not going to grab it, other players will (grab the opportunity).”
St. Benilde lost big man Clement Lentcheu two minutes into the game, but the Blazers managed to stay in the thick of the fight until Alban, Nzeusseau and Wilson Baltazar combined for 19 points in the third period for a 59-45 lead heading into the final period.
The scores:
First Game
JRU 60—Teodro 21, Cruz 14, Grospe 6, Dela Paz 5, Abdulwahab 4, Poutouchi 4, Evardo 2, Mendoza 2, Lasquety 2, Astilla 0, Dela Virgen 0, Pontejos 0.
EAC 59—Onwubere 18, Laminou 14, King 7, Serrano 7, Guzman 6, Munsayac 4, Morada 3, Corilla 0, Diego 0, Mendoza 0, Pascua 0.
Quarters: 19-10, 29-30, 45-44, 60-59.
Second Game
LYCEUM 75—Alban 21, Nzeusseu 15, Baltazar 13, Alanes 11, Ayaay 6, Caduyac 6, Marata 1, Serafico 1, Magbuhos 1, Malabanan 0, Soliman 0, Soriano 0.
ST. BENILDE 58— Fajarito 13, Haruna 13, Dizon 8, Young 8, Saavedra 6, JJ Domingo 4, Pajarillaga 2, Pasamonte 2, San Juan 2, Castor 0, Belgica 0, JS Domingo 0, Leutcheu.
Quarters: 17-7, 33-23, 59-45, 75-58