JRU edges San Sebastian, secures playoff for Final Four

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Jose Rizal University pulled off a thrilling 60-58 victory over San Sebastian to move closer to the Final Fourth berth in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Heavy Bombers held on to collect their third straight victory and 10th overall to move up to 10-6 and assure themselves of at least a playoff for the last two Final Four spots.

Abdel Poutouochi drained two pressured pack free throws with 29.5 seconds remaining to give JRU the lead, 59-58.

The Golden Stags still had a sliver of hope in the ensuing possession, but Ryan Costelo overcooked his floater as Jed Mendoza secured the rebound.

Mendoza split his freebies with 11.2 ticks on the clock, but Michael Calisaan could not score on his undergoal stab as the Heavy Bombers pulled away.

“It’s our composure,” said coach Vergel Meneses. “They got back the lead and we got a basket. In the last two possessions, we made a good stop. Maybe it’s because my players want to prove something, that they belong in this league. I can’t say anything else about them.”

Mendoza paced JRU with 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block, while Ervin Grospe also had 14 markers, three boards, and two dimes.

Tey Teodoro went 3-of-10 from three to wound up with 11 points and eight rebounds, while the Cameroonian Poutouochi had 10 markers and 14 boards in the win.

With the game in the bag, the Heavy Bombers can now shift their focus to Tuesday’s duel against Mapua, where a win could clinch them a seat in the Final Four.

“I told them before this game, we have to get this one and we can’t be complacent against Mapua. Now, we can worry about it on Tuesday,” said Meneses.

San Sebastian continued to see its Final Four chances decline as it dropped to 7-8.

Calisaan topped the Golden Stags with 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Allyn Bulanadi and JM Calma got nine markers in the losing effort.

The Scores:

JRU 60 – Grospe 14, Mendoza 14, Teodoro 11, Poutouochi 10, Sawat 6, Dela Virgen 3, Abdul Razak 2, Lasquety 0, David 0.

SAN SEBASTIAN 58 – Calisaan 15, Bulanadi 9, Calma 9, Ilagan 8, David 7, Navarro 3, Costelo 2, Baetiong 2, Capobres 2, Mercado 1, Gayosa 0, Are 0.

Quarters: 22-17, 33-30, 46-45, 60-58.