NCAA: JRU protects home floor with comeback win over EAC

MANILA, Philippines—Jose Rizal University stormed back in the fourth quarter and toppled Emilio Aguinaldo College, 64-58, on its home floor Thursday in the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament at JRU gym.

The Heavy Bombers used a furious 16-2 rally to turn a 38-45 deficit into 54-47 advantage en route to their third victory, matching their win total from last season’s campaign.

“This game was all about heart. These are young players and they’re not going to just roll over and lose, especially here on our home court,” said JRU coach Louie Gonzales.

John Amores led the Heavy Bombers 16 points and six rebounds, Jungco chipped in 12 points, eight boards, two blocks and two assists while JL Delos Santos had a double-double outing of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

JRU, which started out strong but allowed EAC to gain steam and take over midway through the game, missed the services of topscorer Agem Miranda, who served his one-game suspension.

Ry dela Rosa and Amores combined for four of the Bombers’ six first-half three-pointers.

EAC, which drew 14 points from Marwin Taywan, stumbled to its fourth straight defeat in six games.

The Scores

JRU 64– Amores 16, Jungco 12, Delos Santos 10, Dela Rosa 8, Vasquez 6, Steinl 4, Macatangay 4, Dionisio 2, Aguilar 2, Arenal 0, Abaoag 0.
EAC 58 — Taywan 14, Mendoza 11, Cadua 11, Maguliano 9, Gonzales 5, Carlos 4, Gurtiza 2, De Guzman 2, Estacio 0, Luciano 0, Boffa 0, Dayrit 0, Corilla 0, Martin 0, Tampoc 0.
Quarterscores: 12-4, 32-25, 38-45, 64-58