JRU improves to 2-0, edges UE

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Jose Rizal University kept its record clean as it held off University of the East, 67-62, in the 2017 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Tey Teodoro unloaded 20 points on 3-of-7 shooting from threes, on top of six rebounds, while Ervin Grospe had 10 markers and six boards in the win.

“Honestly, the extra pass is already there and we we’re sharing the ball which helped us break their press,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses.

Though the mentor was pleased with the way the Heavy Bombers shared the ball, Meneses said the team still needs to work on their endgame poise after blowing a 67-58 lead with less than three minutes to play.

“Supposed to be, when you hold big leads, you have to finish strong. We’re just lucky that when they made their run, time was already running out. Had the time been much longer, I think they might have a chance to pull themselves closer,” Meneses said.

JRU used an 18-point third quarter to break away from the Red Warriors and turn a close 41-38 halftime lead to a 59-48 advantage at the start the fourth period.

Alvin Pasaol led UE (1-1) with 10 points and six rebounds, while Clark Derige had eight in the defeat.

The scores:

JRU 67 – Teodoro 20, Grospe 10, Dela Virgen 8, Mendoza 7, Lasquety 6, Abdulwahab 6, Poutouochi 4, Sawat 4, Estrella 2, Mate 0, Bordon 0, Astilla 0.

UE 62 – Pasaol 10, Derige 8, Maloles 7, Olayon 6, Manalang 6, Varilla 5, Conner 5, Cullar 4, Acuno 4, Magbuhos 2, Cruz 2, Armenion 2, Gagate 1, Abanto 0, Green 0.

Quarters: 19-16, 41-38, 59-48, 67-62.