Ray Parks holds on to the ball as a defender tries to swipe it. Photo from Filoil Flying V Sports Facebook account.
MANILA, Philippines — National University doused a late run by Jose Rizal University and came away with a 71-60 win Saturday in the 2013 Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan.
After leading by 14 points, the Bulldogs saw their dwindle down to 66-60 with 2:41 to play as the scrappy Bombers slowly worked to get back.
But after missing countless shots — which was a trend for NU on Saturday night– the Bulldogs got a boost from their timely offensive boards to get extra attempts.
Alfred Aroga turned Troy Rosario’s point blank into a bucket which stopped the slump for NU, 68-60. with 1:17 left.
A triple from new comer Jay Alejandro off a kick out pass from Bobby Ray Parks, then, sealed it for the Bulldogs, who nabbed their third victory in the tournament.
“JRU really played very good D on us. They were pesky today. We could not really get a big lead. Combined with a bad offensive day. But it’s a good thing our D held up, especially in the fourth,” said head coach Eric Altamirano.
Parks led with an all around effort with 15 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, two steals and three blocks. Rosario also had 15 while Aroga and Alejandro each shared 12.
Paolo Pontejos, again, paced the Bombers with 15 points including three of their eight triples — their only edge over the Bulldogs all night.
JRU put on a fight towards the end as they trimmed NU’s lead down to just six points twice in the fourth but it wasn’t enough to notch its first win in two games.
The scores:
NU 71 – Parks 15, Rosario 15, Aroga 12, Alejandro 12, Villamor 8, Neypes 6, Roño 3, Javelona 0, De Guzman 0, Javilliona 0, Khobuntin 0, Labing-isa 0.
JRU 60 – Pontejos 15, Balagtas 9, Dela Paz 8, Paniamogan 8, Lasquety 7, Mabulac 6, Salaveria 4, Sanchez 3, Abanto 0, Porter 0, Medrano 0, Diego 0.