Paniamogan heats up in 2nd half to propel JRU over Mapua

Philip Paniamogan file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Philip Paniamogan came alive in the second half to shoot Jose Rizal University past Mapua, 87-78, in the NCAA Season 90 men’s basketball tournament Monday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Paniamogan knocked in all of his 26 points in the last two quarters, including 14 points in the fourth period, where he drilled in three straight 3-pointers that blew the game open, 77-66, with 8:15 left.

“In the first half, I was forcing it too much. I wanted to score right away and that’s not the right attitude,” admitted the 6-foot sniper Paniamogan, who missed all of his five attempts from the field in the first half.  “In the second half, I came out with a different approach.”

The Heavy Bombers hiked their record to 6-3 and more importantly put them in solo third place to end their first round campaign.

“It’s been a while since the last time we’re at 6-3 and we also haven’t made it to the final four for a long time now,” Paniamogan said in Filipino.

Carlos Isit paced the Cardinals, who lost their eighth game in nine outings, with 21 points.