JRU humiliates Perpetual with 33-point rout, holds on to 3rd place

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Jose Rizal University made quick work of Perpetual with an 85-52 blowout to reinforce its hold of the third spot in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Heavy Bombers held the Altas to just five points in the first quarter as they jumped to a 39-15 halftime advantage and extended the lead to as much 35, 83-48, off a MJ Dela Virgen trey late in the fourth quarter.

“It was our defense which was our main weapon earlier. It was our good defense which translated to good offense for us,” said coach Vergel Meneses.

Dela Virgen ignited the rout scoring six in the first period to finish the game with 18 points on a 4-of-8 shooting from three along with eight assists and three rebounds.

Abdel Poutouochi added 16 markers and seven boards, while Jed Mendoza had 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists in the win.

JRU remained ahead of pack at solo third place with its 8-6 card, while Perpetual continued to drop in the standings with its third straight defeat for a 4-9 record.

Despite the win, Meneses said that the Heavy Bombers should not be complacent going into the last four games of the eliminations.

“We have to stay focused. We’re not yet in. Anything can happen and every game counts,” he said. “We can’t be complacent. We should be worried about our team, and all we have to do is do our jobs.”

Prince Eze was the lone bright spot for the Altas with 23 points, 20 rebounds, and three blocks, as he failed to get enough support from his locals.

The Scores:

JRU 85 – Dela Virgen 18, Poutouochi 16, Mendoza 12, Grospe 8, David 8, Teodoro 8, Lasquety 6, Abdul Razak 5, Bordon 2, Mariano 2, Mate 0, Pontejos 0, Sibangan 0, Sawat 0.

PERPETUAL 52 – Eze 23, Pido 8, Sadiwa 8, Tamayo 3, Mangalino 3, Hao 3, Coronel 2, Ylagan 2, Dagangon 0, Casas 0, Clemente 0, Singontiko 0, Yuhico 0, Lucente 0.

Quarters: 17-5, 39-15, 64-39, 85-52.