MANILA, Philippines—Jose Rizal University staved off a furious fightback by National University, 66-62, Monday and advanced to the next round of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Heavy Bombers, who had a surprising NCAA season by making it to the final four, had a hard time shaking off the Ray Parks-less Bulldogs.
“We had defensive lapses, we can’t afford to do that,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses.
Luckily for JRU, NU’s Reden Celda’s game-tying drive in the waning seconds of the game went in and out.
John Lopez sealed the win for the Bombers with two free throws.
Lopez was the lone JRU player who scored in double-figures with 10 points.
NU came to within just a point, 62-63, after a drive by Jeoffrey Javillionar with 23.2 ticks left.
Nate Matute nailed a trey that gave the Bombers a 58-50 spread at the seven minute mark of the fourth quarter.
Emmanuel Mbe led the Bulldogs with 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
JRU will face Adamson Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.