MANILA, Philippines–Ry Dela Rosa fired a career game of 21 points capped by a pair of free throws with 2.8 seconds remaining as the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers squeezed past the Arellano Chiefs, 77-73, on the final elimination playdate Friday of the NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball tournament.
It was a frustrating ending for Arellano graduating guards Kent Salado and Rence Alcoriza, who went all out with 22 and 20 points, respectively, only to drop their farewell game.
Out of contention in the semis, the Heavy Bombers rose to 5-13 while dropping the Chiefs in the company of tailenders Emilio Aguinaldo Generals at 4-14.
After JRU’s Agem Miranda cooly sank his free throws in the final 7.9 seconds, the Chiefs still had an opportunity to extend it into extra time.
A long ill-advised shot by Salado near center court, however, got deflected, putting the hopes of the Chiefs in tatters.
JRU 77—Dela Rosa 21, Miranda 13, Vasquez 13, Aguilar 10, Jungco 6, Arenal 4, Amores 4, Dionisio 2, Abaoag 2, Macatangay 2, Delos Santos 0.
ARELLANO 73—Salado 22, Alcoriza 20, Arana 8, Concepcion 5, Santos 5, Oliva 5, Sablan 3, Espiritu 3, Bayla 2, Talampas 0.
Quarters: 13-18, 35-38, 55-56, 77-73