JRU Heavy Bombers’ Marwyn Dionisio.
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Jose Rizal University survived a tight affair against Lyceum and coach Louie Gonzalez has his best forward to thank.
The Pirates boast of a tough front court with big men Shawn Umali and Omar Larupay but Heavy Bombers wingman Marwin Dionisio stepped up to the plate.
With 26 minutes of play, the 6-foot-4 bruiser finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds in their 63-57 win.
“With him [Dionisio], it’s always a given. What’s good with that guy is, as the season progresses, he builds confidence and he accepts my role as my best forward,” Gonzalez said at San Juan Arena on Friday.
Dionisio iced the game with 12 seconds left, sinking two free throws to steer the Heavy Bombers to a 5-2 record.
The 23-year-old picked up where he left off from his last game against San Beda, where he scored 16 markers.
“Aside from his skillset, his responsibility, he always takes it. His closing minutes, he took over and it’s good cause all of my players support Marwyn,” Gonzalez explained.
The forward, who still has three playing years left, remains ecstatic to be given his coach’s trust.
“I’m so thankful for coach Louie’s trust. Even my family and my baby, he supports me. I’m speechless with his trust,” he said.