Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Jose Rizal University turned back Letran, 65-62, in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Heavy Bombers survived a scare in the final minutes after their 11-point lead, 61-50, dwindled to just three in the final seven seconds of the game but Jed Mendoza was able to hold fort and stopped JP Calvo until the final buzzer.
JRU improved to 2-2 to snap its two-game losing streak while Letran slipped to 1-2.
“When we get to the end game, we cannot commit turnovers or passing mistakes,” said JRU head coach Vergel Meneses. “That’s why Letran was able to come back.”
The Knights were able mount their 13-4 late-game run after pestering the Heavy Bombers for the full 94 feet but time wasn’t on their side.
Mendoza led JRU with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while Teytey Teodoro, who missed two crucial free throws with seconds remaining in the game, added 14 points.
Bong Quinto had a team-high 16 points to lead Letran while Rey Nambatac added 14.