NCAA: JRU claims 3rd Final Four slot | Inquirer Sports

NCAA: JRU claims 3rd Final Four slot

/ 04:45 PM October 10, 2017

Abdul Sawat. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Jose Rizal University formally booked its Final Four ticket, outlasting Mapua, 62-58, Tuesday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Heavy Bombers improved their record to 11-6, sealing the third spot to join Lyceum and San Beda, which have already clinched seats in the playoffs.

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Tey Teodoro fired 19 points despite shooting 1-of-7 from beyond the arc, to go with two rebounds and an assist.

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Jed Mendoza chipped in 10 markers, three boards, and three dimes, while Abdul Sawat just missed out on a double-double with his nine points and seven rebounds.

Though the victory pushed JRU to the postseason, coach Vergel Meneses once again voiced his displeasure following what he felt was a lackluster showing from his boys.

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“Honestly, I’m not happy about the win. They don’t want to follow instructions, they thought we can beat them all on offense, and that’s what happened,” he said.

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The PBA great, then, set this game as a challenge for his wards to bounce back, especially as the Heavy Bombers take on the league-leading Pirates in their final elimination game on Friday.

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“That’s my challenge to them. We don’t want to enter the Final Four with a loss,” he said.

Teodoro gave JRU a seven-point edge, 58-51, midway in the payoff period, but the Cardinals slowly chipped away the lead and got it down to as low as two, 58-56, courtesy of two freebies from Andoy Estrella.

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Luckily, Ervin Grospe and Jed Mendoza scored cushion-building baskets in the final 3:27 before the Heavy Bombers defense held strong in the end game.

Almel Orquina carried Mapua (3-13) with 14 points and three rebounds, while Cedric Pelayo had 11 markers and five boards.

The Scores:

JRU 62 – Teodoro 19, Mendoza 10, Sawat 9, Grospe 8, Lasquety 6, Bordon 4, Abdulrazak 2, Poutouochi 2, David 2, Dela Virgen 0.

MAPUA 58 – Orquina 14, Pelayo 11, Bunag 10, Victoria 8, Estrella 8, Raflores 6, Aguirre 1, Gabo 0, Jimenez 0.

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Quarters: 21-17, 36-32, 52-47, 62-58.

For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity.

TAGS: JRU Heavy Bombers, Mapua Cardinals, NCAA

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