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Jose Rizal University escaped Blustar Detergent, 75-64, Tuesday in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Tey Teodoro caught fire and racked eight straight markers to put the Heavy Bombers beyond reach, 73-60, with 42.0 seconds left to play.
The hefty sniper topped JRU with 20 points on a 4-of-7 shooting from three, to go with seven rebounds.
“We had a bad start. I told them in the huddle I’m sure they’re going to adjust after their first game. And my team gave Blustar confidence,” said coach Vergel Meneses.
Alvin Vui Hang Ang kept the Dragons in the game, firing a trey to close the gap to just one, 61-60, with four minutes left, but Teodoro took charge and helped JRU pull away for good.
Jhaps Bautista also had 18 markers on a 4-6 shooting from three, alongside six rebounds, and four assists off the bench for the Heavy Bombers.
Despite the victory, Meneses urged his holdovers to step up as JRU begins its preparation for NCAA Season 93.
“They should be the leaders of the team because whatever they’re showing i the D-League, it will follow,” he said.
Ang topped Blustar with 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Liaw Chee Huei got 14 markers and seven boards.
The Scores:
JRU 75 – Teodoro 20, Bautista 18, Poutouochi 9, Grospe 8, Lasquety 6, Pontejos 5, Dela Virgen 3, Astilla 2, Lopez 2, Mate 2, Sabellina 0.
BLUSTAR 64 – Ang 15, Liaw 14, Kwaan 13, Mak 8, Ong 6, Choong 4, Chin 4, Heng 0.
Quarters: 19-22, 40-33, 53-51, 75-64.