JRU outlasts Perpetual, boosts bid

INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ

JAYCEE Asuncion tormented his former team as Jose Rizal U outlasted Perpetual Help, 80-76, in overtime last night to enhance its Final Four bid in the 90th NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Asuncion, who transferred from Perpetual Help last season, sparked the Heavy Bombers’ late charge, scoring seven of his 16 points in the overtime period as JRU gained solo third with a 9-4 card.

“I always wanted to prove myself not just against my former team,” said Asuncion, whose triple with 2:49 remaining in the extra period gave the Bombers a 70-65 lead before sealing the win with two charities.

Philip Paniamogan forced overtime at 63-all with a triple with 20.9 seconds remaining, completing a JRU comeback from 50-58 down in the last eight minutes of regulation.

“Perpetual is a talented team and we can only counter them by playing as a unit,” said Bombers coach Vergel Meneses. “They had the lead in the fourth quarter but the composure was there. This team is building character.”

Michael Mabulac finished with 21 points, including five in the overtime period for the Bombers who completed an elimination round sweep of the Altas.

Earlier, Mapua notched back-to-back wins for the first time in two seasons as the Cardinals trounced the Lyceum Pirates, 76-65.

CJ Isit and Leo Gabo scattered 17 points as the Cardinals moved out of the cellar with a 3-10 card, the same record of the San Sebastian Stags who dropped to last place, having lost to Mapua twice in the tournament.