The Heavy Bombers defied the odds by shocking a surprisingly misfiring La Salle squad, 85-81, before the Pirates survived a late Ateneo onslaught to nip the Blue Eagles, 90-89.
The results were unexpected considering La Salle and Ateneo played in the finals of the UAAP last season with the Archers coming out on top. The victors failed to even make the Final Four of the NCAA.
The Heavy Bombers seized control of the game early, stifling La Salle’s attack while leaning on Tey Teodoro’s hot start. Teodoro finished with 17 points while Jed Mendoza added 15 for JRU, which forced the Archers to 4-of-32 shooting from beyond the arc.
Reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player Ben Mbala tallied 22 points and grabbed 15 boards, but Ricci Rivero and Aljun Melecio combined for 10-of-35 shooting from the field, typifying La Salle’s woes.
“We knew we had nothing to lose and plenty to gain against La Salle,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses.
Meneses now hopes to see consistency from the Bombers.
“Honestly, I don’t have a good team and we’re not strong, but if we play the same way every game in the NCAA the way we played against La Salle, we’ll go places,” he added.
The Pirates showcased a balanced offensive with six players, led by newcomer Jaycee Marcelino, finishing in twin digits.
Former Ateneo recruit CJ Perez, who sat out last season to comply with the NCAA’s residency requirement, had 13 points for the Pirates but gave the Eagles an opportunity to snatch the game with a turnover.
Mike Nieto missed a triple at the buzzer, though, allowing the Pirates to open their campaign on a high note.
“We were lucky down the stretch,” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson. “We made crucial stops and our players just didn’t give up.”