Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Paolo Pontejos finally showed up after a series of underwhelming performances to carry Jose Rizal University to a 79-73 stunner to deal San Beda its first loss in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The senior playmaker tied his season-high 27 points banking on five threes, to go with four assists and three rebounds in the Heavy Bombers’ upset of the Red Lions.
JRU clamped down on defense in the payoff period, as it overturned a 13-point deficit, 53-66, and took charge late, outscoring San Beda, 26-7 in the final frame.
“It means that we’re playing defense. Paolo and Teytey (Teodoro), they played together because they played defense. That’s why they’re in the game,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses as the Heavy Bombers ended the first round with a 4-5 record, tying Lyceum in sixth place.
Abdel Poutouochi registered a double-double of 14 markers, 12 boards, and three steals, while Teodoro had 14 points and five rebounds in the win.
“Ang nakita ko siguro yung desire. The past games, yung desire, wala. Especially when we played Arellano, the desire was not there, the energy was not there. Parang they just came here to finish the game, not to win the game,” said Meneses.
The PBA great is hopeful that this win will be a stepping stone for JRU to fare better in the second round.
“We’ll bring this one pagdating ng second round. Instead of coming from a loss or galing sa tambak, I hope na every game will be like this.
Donald Tankoua had a double-double of 28 points and 15 rebounds, while Davon Potts had 11 for San Beda, which saw its eight-game winning streak stopped.
The scores:
JRU 79 – Pontejos 27, Poutouochi 14, Teodoro 14, Grospe 9, Dela Virgen 5, Lasquety 4, Cruz 4, Abdul Wahab 2, Dela Paz 0, Mendoza 0.
SAN BEDA 73 – Tankoua 28, Potts 11, Soberano 7, Bolick 6, Mocon 6, Noah 6, Oftana 4, Tongco 2, Sara 2, Presbitero 1, Alas 0, Bonsubre 0, Navarro 0.
Quarters: 14-22, 35-37, 53-66, 79-73.