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Jose Rizal University rose from the dead and stunned Racal, 77-75 Monday in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
Paolo Pontejos and Tey Teodoro teamed up late to finish the Heavy Bombers’ huge fightback from 20 points down early, combining for 17 points in the fourth period and deal the Tile Masters their first loss in six outings.
Racal still had a chance to force overtime or win the game in the clutch, but Rey Nambatac threw an errant pass towards a referee with 0.4 tenths of a second remaining.
“We know how strong Racal is. We kept on pushing, kept on fighting, and I told them to be ready,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses, as JRU ended a three-game tailspin and leveled its standing at 3-3.
“Victoria got their first win against us, so I think it’s just right that we deal Racal its first loss.”
Teodoro got seven of his 20 points in the payoff period while Pontejos had 10 of his 16 in the final frame to go along with six assists and four boards.
John Ambulodto also had 12 points, eight rebounds and four blocks for JRU.
The Heavy Bombers shook off their poor start, where they fell behind early, 13-0, and by 20, 29-9, in the first half before Teodoro and Ambulodto chipped away the lead in the third canto and helped their team finish the game strong.
Jackson Corpuz scattered 19 points and eight rebounds for Racal (5-1) while Sidney Onwubere had 15 markers and seven boards in the loss.
The scores:
JRU 77 – Teodoro 20, Pontejos 16, Ambulodto 12, Lasquety 8, Poutouochi 8, Grospe 6, Dela Virgen 3, Bordon 2, Bulawan 2, Astilla 0, Estrella 0, Sawat 0.
RACAL 75 – Corpuz 19, Onwubere 15, Dagangon 8, Nambatac 8, Gabawan 7, Gumaru 5, Mangahas 4, Cabrera 3, Terso 3, Salado 2, Flores 1, Apreku 0, Gabayni 0, Torres 0.
Quarters: 9-21, 26-36, 52-52, 77-75.