Photo from collegiatechampionsleague.net
MANILA, Philippines—Jose Rizal University needed two overtimes to fend off pesky University of the East, 104-99, in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) Thursday.
The Bombers, led by Byron Villarias’ 35 points, clinched the other spot at stake in the Metro Manila qualifiers at the Arena in San Juan.
The Red Warriors, who needed to win by five points in order to clinch the slot, deliberately missed their charities just to get a chance to advance.
JRU faces Adamson—which earlier bundled out Mapua—in the knockout phase of the nationwide tournament starting Friday in FAITH in Tanauan, Batangas.
University of Batangas, meanwhile, clashes La Finns Scholastica in the other match-up in the Sweet 16 at 2 p.m.
La Finns captured the North Luzon zonals while UB dominated in the South Luzon-Bicol qualifiers to barge into the top 16 of the tournament.