MANILA, Philippines – John Villarias pumped in a career-best 29 points as Jose Rizal University dumped error-prone Letran 101-83 Monday night in the NCAA Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Villarias scored 13 of his 29 in the pivotal second quarter that saw the Heavy Bombers pulling away.
“He’s been my most consistent player,” praised JRU head coach Vergel Meneses.
Somehow, JRU also erased its horrible 37-62 setback to San Beda the last time out.
“They had something to prove to me after that humiliating loss,” Meneses said.
Responding to the challenge, the Bombers put on a defensive clinic that forced 28 turnovers.
The win ended JRU’s first round campaign with an impressive 7-2 slate.
“Nobody expected us to be here,” said Meneses.
Nate Matute added 25 points, 17 coming in the first half where he went on a shooting duel with Kevin Alas, who had 19 markers by halftime.
Alas, a one-man show, ended up with a game-high 31 points but despite it, the Knights’ up-and-down season continued as they fell to 4-4.
JRU led by as much as 23, 79-56, thanks to Letran’s inability to break the full-court press by the Bombers.